Building bright futures through life skills & education
CBEA recognizes the importance of providing youth with a holistic approach to health and wellness and the positive impact it can have on education, sports and life. We offer programming focused on improving life skills through expertly led social-emotional learning sessions, as well as college readiness activities, leadership skills and career exploration outings.
Social-Emotional Learning
Our Social-Emotional Learning sessions, led by Dr. Meredith Wekesser, who holds a PhD in Sports Psychology and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Performance, Exercise, and Sport Psychology department at UIC, are designed to provide parents and families with tips for how to navigate parenting champions—both on and off the playing field.
“The workshops were very helpful. I think continuing that conversation about how to parent our athletes is always good, especially as they get older.“
~Parent of player
College Readiness Activities
Through our partnership with the University of Illinois, Chicago, we provide access to college information sessions, campus tours and academic mentorship.
Career Exploration
Through partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, we facilitate field trips and host lectures at Curtis Granderson Stadium on the campus of UIC. Kids have the opportunity to learn about the importance of adaptability, time management, good communication and discipline and how these skills can set them up for future success.
We also introduce Chicago youth to options that exist outside of a traditional college experience, such as trade apprenticeships through local training centers and professional umpire training.
