Press Release
Southeast Side Experience Incubator
A platform for programs and activities providing students in the Big Shoulders Fund network with high quality educational experiences.
About Southeast Side Incubator
The Southeast Side Experience Incubator (SSEI) will serve as a platform for programs and activities benefitting schools in the Big Shoulders Fund network. The first program hosted by SSEI will be the St. Francis de Sales High School Work Study Program.
St. Francis de Sales High School
Work Study Program
About Big Shoulders Fund
For more than 35 years, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago’s children in need achieve their dreams through access to a quality, values-based education. Big Shoulders Fund accomplishes this by investing more than $30 million annually in scholarship support and academic enrichment for students, operational improvements for schools, leadership development programs for the next generation of school leaders, and academic programs and professional development for teachers.
About St. Francis de Sales High School
St. Francis de Sales High School (SFDS) is located at 101st and Ewing on the Southeast Side of Chicago and has served families from their community and beyond for more than 80 years. It has been located in its current building since 1958. Since 1962, the school has been sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago. In 2013-2014, Big Shoulders Fund became the school’s primary financial donor and partner. SFDS historically served a largely working-class, immigrant neighborhood. Over the years, SFDS has remained a presence in the community and has continued to educate young people by providing access and opportunity regardless of a family’s ability to pay full tuition. The school and neighborhood are incredibly vibrant and ethnically diverse.
About the Work Study Program
Work Study provides students a tremendous access to opportunity – not only the opportunity to afford a private/Catholic high school that prepares them to attend and succeed at great universities, but also the opportunity to gain valuable life and work experiences in a professional setting.
Students’ academic schedules are modified so that four students share one full-time entry-level job. Work Study hours provide students an enriched learning experience.
Roni-Nicole Facen, Principal & CEO, St. Francis de Sales High School
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“The name, ‘Southeast Side Experience Incubator’, says it best. We are providing experiences to transform lives, improve outcomes in our community, and level the playing field for our kids. Equity is one of the core values of the work at St. Francis de Sales and the SSEI work study program will help us break down barriers and better prepare students for success in college and in life.”
St. Francis de Sales High School Work Study Program Contact Information
Hugo Chavez
Director, St. Francis de Sales High School Work Study Program
Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, the St. Francis de Sales High School Work Study Program will provide students with a tremendous opportunity to gain valuable life experience and develop real world job skills while continuing to receive a high-quality college prep education.
St. Francis de Sales High School
10155 S. Ewing Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60617-6095
Chicago, Illinois 60617-6095
