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Jackeline Martinez ’08, Kemper Scholar

Jackeline Martinez '08

Being a Kemper Scholar has allowed me to directly affect the quality of life of people, whose lives change because of the work that I have contributed to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s (LISC) New Communities Program. This summer, I have learned multiple professional and life lessons, and have bonded not only with my fellow Kemper Scholars, but with my colleagues at LISC/Chicago. I have done everything from data and market analysis, to software evaluation, to grant work and journalism, and to top it all off, I am surrounded and being mentored by professional individuals, who genuinely care about my input and devotion to the community. Through LISC, I have also been able to connect with other community leaders who have also embraced my work, and helped me to develop character and a true passion for assisting those who fall victim to their socioeconomic status.

LISC/Chicago organizes capital and other resources to support initiatives that will stimulate the comprehensive development of healthy, stable neighborhoods and foster their connection to the socioeconomic mainstream of the metropolitan region. LISC/Chicago is leading the way in community development through their ambitions New Communities Program, which strives to support comprehensive community development in 16 Chicago neighborhoods. The effort seeks to rejuvenate challenged communities, bolster those in danger of losing ground and preserve the diversity of areas in the path of gentrification. LISC is also leading the way with the Centers for Working Families, which assist families in reaching their economic goals by helping them achieve stable employment and career advancement opportunities, receive available income and work supports, and access fairly-priced financial services within their neighborhood.

LISC’s $125 million investment in Chicago’s neighborhoods over the past 25 years has leveraged $3.2 billion in financing from private and public sources.

Kemper Scholarship
The mission of the James S. Kemper Foundation is to promote liberal arts education as an ideal preparation for life and work, especially in administration and business. Kemper Scholars will receive annual scholarships during the sophomore, junior and senior years of college. They also receive stipends for work in major nonprofit organizations in Chicago during the summer following the sophomore year. After discussions with Foundation staff, Scholars will be placed in full-time administrative positions where they can learn about financial management, organizational strategy, fund raising and non-profit administration.
www.jskemper.org/program.php

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