A Message from Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director
School begins this month at LYDIA Urban Academy (LUA), and we are looking forward to another great year of helping at-risk students excel academically, emotionally and spiritually. This year, for the first time, we’ll also be helping them finance part of their education through meaningful employment, thanks to our new Work-Study Program.

During the school year, students will work eight hours per week at local businesses in entry-level positions. Instead of receiving a check, they will assign their earnings to LUA to pay for 50% of the cost of their tuition. Parents will be asked to pay 30%, and LYDIA will raise the remaining 20% through fundraising. This will relieve the burden on student families, many of whom struggle to get by, and help the school meet its financial obligations. It also will expose students to different career opportunities and help them develop marketable skills.

LUA will prepare students for employment through a course that emphasizes a strong work ethic and explains the expectations of the business world. We anticipate that students will do well in positions that involve skills such as basic data entry, answering phones, filing, typing and faxing, among others.

Would you or someone you know be interested in hiring an Urban Academy student as part of this program? Our staff is working hard to secure 20 job placements by September 1 (we’re almost halfway there!) To learn more, please contact me at or at (773) 736-1447. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of at-risk youth!

From the Brink of Expulsion to Model Student
We first met Jonathan two years ago, when he enrolled at LYDIA Urban Academy. At that time, he was a ball of nervous energy, prone to angry outbursts and a distraction in all of his classes. Director Mandy Ross was frequently at her wits’ end with Jonathan and considering expulsion. But the other teachers, who had known Jonathan a little longer, always convinced Mandy to give him another chance.

The next school year, Jonathan dedicated himself to becoming a model student. He started to learn about appropriate versus inappropriate behavior, and corrected himself after his outbursts. He even took a job at Target to help with family expenses.

Jonathan received his diploma in June, making him the first person in his family to graduate from high school. He plans to attend Wright College this fall. Mandy tells us that she and Jonathan developed a much stronger relationship this past year, a surprise to both of them. Mandy plans to have him return to LUA as a guest speaker.

Enriching Lives . . . in a Cave?
LUA teacher Travis Satterlee gave several students a real-life earth sciences lesson last spring when he took them to Illinois Caverns in Waterloo. Joined by two friends who are certified with the National Cave Rescue Commission, the group’s experience featured pitch-black moments underground, a swim through chest-high water, narrow passageways and more. Here’s what two of the students had to say:

“The best thing on the trip was when we were in the cave getting wet and crawling through holes and just exploring. I had a good time, Travis. Thanks.” — Dean

“I like the fact that this was a new experience for me. Being raised in the city left me unprepared for some of the events happening in the cave, like crawling through cracks in the rocks.” — Oscar

Enrichment adventures like this one are unusual for LUA students, but they are very important to the learning process. We are exploring a few different opportunities for this year’s LUA students, such a visit to our state capital, a trip to Shedd Aquarium and a day at Notebaert Nature Museum.

School Supplies, Sodium Chloride and Safety Goggles . . . Oh My!
Travis Satterlee loves teaching Earth Sciences, but his LUA classroom lacks many of the necessary supplies for hands-on learning. Last year, LYDIA’s kitchen staff donated some items for various scientific experiments, but we’d like to do more for this dedicated teacher and his students. Travis’s “wish list” of almost 50 items ranges from notebooks and folders to chemicals and rubber tubing (click here to view list). If you would like to donate $50, $100 or even more toward the purchase of these items, please contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, by  or call (773) 736-1447, ext. 249. Thank you!

We need your help with the 2007 Benefit Gala!
Table hosts, event sponsors and other volunteers are needed for LYDIA’s 2007 Benefit Gala, to be held December 3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. The event could be our largest ever, as we welcome well-known evangelist and author Josh McDowell as our Featured Speaker!

Event sponsors, table hosts and silent auction items are needed as we begin planning the details of our 2007 Benefit Gala. To learn more, please contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, by  or call (773) 736-1447, ext. 249.