Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is a public magnet high school located in the Near West Side, Chicago area of Chicago, Illinois, and is part of the Chicago Public Schools system. The school is named after Whitney Young, a prominent National Urban League leader, and is known for its strong programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as its diverse student body. The school has been recognized for its excellence by organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Students from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School have gone on to attend prestigious universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

● History

The school was established in 1970 as a magnet high school, with the goal of providing a rigorous and inclusive education to students from diverse backgrounds. The school is located in a historic building that was previously home to Crane High School, and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in the 1990s funded by the Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education. The school has a strong partnership with local organizations such as the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago, which provide students with access to resources and opportunities such as internships and mentorship programs with professionals from companies like Google and Microsoft. The school has also been recognized for its commitment to social justice and community engagement, and has partnerships with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

● Academics

The school offers a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum that includes courses in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, as well as specialized programs in fields such as engineering, computer science, and performing arts. Students have the opportunity to take courses at nearby universities such as University of Chicago and Northwestern University, and can participate in programs such as the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. The school has a strong focus on STEM education, and has partnerships with organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Students from the school have won awards and recognition in competitions such as the Intel Science Talent Search and the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, and have gone on to pursue careers in fields such as medicine at institutions like Johns Hopkins University and University of California, Berkeley.

● Student Life

The school has a diverse and vibrant student body, with students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations such as the National Honor Society, the Debate Team, and the School Newspaper. The school also has a strong focus on community service, and students can participate in programs such as the AmeriCorps and the Volunteer Service Award program. Students from the school have participated in events such as the March for Our Lives and the Women's March, and have been recognized for their activism and leadership by organizations such as the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union. The school has a strong partnership with local community organizations such as the Chicago Community Trust and the United Way, which provide students with opportunities for service and engagement.

● Athletics

The school's athletic teams, known as the Dolphins, compete in the Chicago Public League and have won championships in sports such as basketball, soccer, and track and field. The school has a strong focus on athletic development, and has produced athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels, including in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). The school has a partnership with the Chicago Park District, which provides students with access to facilities and resources for athletic development. Students from the school have participated in events such as the Chicago Marathon and the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, and have been recognized for their achievements by organizations such as the National Federation of State High School Associations and the United States Olympic Committee.

● Notable Alumni

The school has a long list of notable alumni, including Barack Obama's former White House advisor Valerie Jarrett, NASA astronaut Mae Jemison, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sarah Kendzior. Other notable alumni include United States Senator Tammy Duckworth, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and Grammy Award-winning musician Chance the Rapper. The school has also produced alumni who have gone on to become leaders in fields such as business, law, and medicine, including CEOs of companies like McDonald's and United Airlines, and partners at law firms like Kirkland & Ellis and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Alumni from the school have also been recognized for their achievements by organizations such as the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Category:Public high schools in Illinois