CPS CEO Pedro Martinez announced a bold and aggressive effort to invest $7.5 million in public and private funds over the next year to serve 1,000 youth grappling with high-risk situations. Under the plan, CPS and community partners will expand Choose to Change, a program that has helped reduce the impact of trauma on Chicago’s youth who have experienced higher levels of violence. While CPS has seen vast improvements in key safety metrics over the last decade, more investments are needed to support students’ mental health and wellbeing amid the ongoing pandemic, gun violence and other adverse conditions. CPS and the City of Chicago are answering an urgent call to action by partnering with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) and Children’s Home and Aid to train four community-based organizations to implement a new, hyperlocal version of the Choose to Change program.  This year, Choose to Change will serve 1,000 students who may have school attendance challenges, involvement with the justice system, and/or have been exposed to violence and trauma. The program provides intensive youth and family support and weekly behavioral health sessions. The effort is part of the District’s commitment to ensure all young people have access to safe environments at school and in their communities.