Our Mission
Showing Positive Impact in Kids Extracurriculars
The mission of The SPIKE Project is to provide at risk and disabled children with necessary resources to create enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom.
Our Case
Research shows that high-quality after school extracurricular activities and education leads to:
- Lower school dropout rates
- Lower rates of teen parenthood
- Lower rates of violent crime
- Higher rates of attendance in school
- Higher rates of high school graduation and post secondary education
- Higher levels of employment and income as adults
This is especially true for children who are considered at-risk due to issues such as parents' lack of education. There are currently over 590,000 families living with children under the age of 18 in Cook County alone with an average annual household income at a mere $42,000. While low-income children are just as ready to engage as their more advantaged peers, they do not always have the resources to access comparable extra-curricular opportunities.
Meet Our team
From left to right:
Brett Sharkey, Board Member & Secretary
Ted Stec, Founder & President
Jason Bevers, Board Member & Treasurer
Our plan
The SPIKE Project provides financial opportunities for children ages 5-18 who do not have the assets to participate in athletic training camps, traveling sports teams, fine art and music lessons, and much more. We are partnering with local organizations and schools to ensure high-quality extra-curricular opportunities are available, at-risk and disabled children are recruited, and parents are supported in their child's participation and success.
Through The SPIKE Project, we are providing money to support children who are dedicated to growing their skills and passion in particular areas. We are challenged to reach out to parents, caregivers and community members to build awareness of the importance of extra-curricular activities, and to address cultural and financial barriers that may hinder parental involvement in children's out of school success.
Funding will be awarded to children and families that demonstrate a proven ability to complete their activities while maintaining reasonable grades and attendance in school.
A complete application is required. Funding is renewable for up to three years, as needed.
Why Donate?
Our Board of Directors believes that this is an opportunity to address a fundamental quality of life issue that will create a better future for Cook County citizens for generations to come. The benefits to engaging in extra curricular activities are substantial when looking at long-term success for children. They continue to learn time management and relationship skills, explore their diverse interests, understand long-term commitments, and increase areas of personal self-esteem and healthy competition.