The United Way
Latino Initiative

Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in metropolitan Chicago, representing 20% of the population, and Chicago has the third-largest Latino population of all U.S. cities. Nearly one third of Latino households have incomes of $60,000 or more, and nearly half of Latino households are owner occupied. As of 2002, there were 40,000 Latino-owned businesses generating over $7.5 billion in revenue.

While Latino progress in metropolitan Chicago is impressive, this community still faces challenges, especially among its youth:

  • 33% of all Latino children in the region between the ages of 5 and 17 speak English less than very well.
  • Only 53% of Latino students in Illinois who enter high school graduate four years later.
  • 50% of Latinas become pregnant at least once before the age of 20.

    • The Latino Initiative will engage parents, agencies, churches, schools, law enforcement, government officials and Latino youth to help create a sustainable plan for Latino youth development that can be replicated throughout the region.

    Please donate or volunteer by clicking here.

    As the fastest growing group in our region (1 in 3 metropolitan Chicagoans will be Latino by 2030), Latinos will comprise a large source of the next generation's workforce, leaders and customers. United Way understands that the successful development of Latino youth is critical to a healthy economic, social and political future for metropolitan Chicago.

    In early 2007, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago launched its Latino Initiative to help Latino youth transition successfully into adulthood, particularly in communities of rapid growth. The program will engage parents, agencies, churches, schools, law enforcement, government officials and Latino youth to help create a sustainable plan for Latino youth development that can be replicated throughout the region.

    Our goals:

  • Latino youth understand and value the long-term impact of staying in school.
  • Latino youth create a healthy identity that bridges two cultures.
  • Latino youth understand and assume healthy family and social roles.

    • ComEd, a top United Way supporter and philanthropic leader in our community, is generously sponsoring a 2007 Challenge Grant that matches, 2-to-1, all new and increased* Leadership and Tocqueville level contributions to this exciting new initiative.

    *The grant will match all new gifts as well as the amount of increase on gifts that are increased to the next giving level over last year. Please see the Initiative Challenge Grant section of this website to see examples how the contribution matching works.

     
    A Young Woman