Jia is a youth leader with Advancing Justice | Chicago’s KINETIC program
My name is Jia, and I am a CPS student and youth leader in the KINETIC program, a leadership and civics program for immigrant and refugee youth in Chicago Public Schools.
Nearly 100% of KINETIC youth are recent immigrants and refugees, who come from low income and limited English proficient households. I myself immigrated from China to Mexico and finally to Chicago just five years ago. Through my participation in KINETIC at Lake View High School, I have learned that I can use my own immigration story to advocate for change for my family and others.
This year, I testified in front of the Illinois House Appropriations Committee regarding the devastating budget cuts; briefed Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office on immigrant youth issues; and shared my testimony about bullying with the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs.
KINETIC aims to serve over 100 Limited English Proficient students in CPS, building their confidence and skills as youth leaders. On this Giving Tuesday, can you help us continue our work?
