Chicago Defender

Urban Prep in Springfield

Forty graduates of the city's only public all-boys school network were given special attention recently by the Illinois Senate.

State Sen. Mattie Hunter, D-3rd, invited members of the first graduating class of the Urban Prep Academies for Young Men, Englewood Campus to Springfield to speak about the program and what it's meant to them.

“Upon entering Urban Prep as freshman in 2006, only four percent of these young men could read at or above grade level. But these young men have given 100 percent commitment to their education and in turn 100 percent of the class will be attending college later this fall. .. I congratulate each and every one of them for their success,” said Hunter.

Urban Prep, founded by Tim King, made national history as the first class –107 total – from a public charter high school to receive 100 percent acceptance to a four-year college or university. “It took a lot of dedication, commitment and focus to reach this important milestone. ... Being recognized for this achievement will only inspire our students to continue to work hard and reach for their dreams,” said King.

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