Newsletter
The Catalyst: February 2026
February 19, 2026
Starting 2026 strong in the IMD — investing in youth through scholarships, internships, events, and community partnerships that build tomorrow’s leaders.
From the CEO
Investing in our youth builds our future
Greetings Friends,
As we begin another year in the IMD, I hope you enjoyed a restful holiday season with your loved ones and had time to reflect on what matters most before embracing the opportunities ahead. This winter, as we step into the new year, we’ve been inspired by fresh beginnings and the momentum of new ideas taking shape across the IMD that will build a strong foundation for the years ahead. It’s been an invigorating start to 2026 as we focus on events and initiatives to support our young people and students. Investing in our youth today ensures we are developing the talent, leadership, and innovation that will shape the future of the IMD and our world.
On February 3, we held our second IMD Youth Opportunities Fair at Malcolm X College. This event allows students to connect with local organizations to learn about summer programs, internships, and workforce development opportunities. Students also got a chance to tour Malcolm X College and learn more about their School of Nursing and more. It’s wonderful to see this event grow bigger and better every year, and to welcome dozens of exhibitors and hundreds of students to the IMD — many of whom visit with their school or travel from across Chicagoland to attend! If you or your organization would like to get involved with this event next year, email Cathy Kwiatkowski, Chief Operating Officer, at [email protected].
Applications are now open for the 2026 IMDC Scholarships. The scholarship program was created to provide merit-based financial support to local students, expanding access to educational opportunities and recognizing their academic achievement and potential. Up to ten $1,000 scholarships are available to high school, higher education, and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and reside in one of the qualified zip codes. The IMDC scholarship program is unique, because not only is it open to graduate students, but students can reapply. To learn more, including the requirements and application process, click here.
We’re also keeping the focus on the next generation with our 2026 Summer Paid Internship that is now accepting applications. Each summer, we hire a local undergraduate student to gain real world hands-on experience and valuable connections by working with IMDC staff on projects across departments. This year, we are specifically looking for students enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Urban Studies, Political Science, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. This is a special opportunity for an eager and enterprising young mind to gain experience in one of the largest urban medical districts in the country. To learn more or to share with your organization, click here.
On February 17, our staff participated in a Day of Play for Girls in the Game, a local nonprofit that serves girls from underinvested neighborhoods, providing opportunities for playing sports, leadership skill-building, and health education. The Day of Play takes place on a CPS day of non-attendance, giving girls a chance to have fun together on their day off from school. Our staff participated alongside the girls in playing different sports coached by Chicago professional sports teams like the Chicago Stars. To learn more about Girls in the Game, click here.
Two Chicago legends come together on April 1 at the United Center for IMD Day as the Chicago Bulls take on the Indiana Pacers! Proceeds from this event benefit the Illinois Making a Difference Foundation (IMD Foundation) and IMD community. The IMD Foundation was established last year as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit aligned with the mission of the Illinois Medical District Commission (IMDC). The IMD Foundation operates as the IMDC’s philanthropic arm, raising funds and partnering with community organizations to advance health, wellbeing, and environmental initiatives across the IMD in close collaboration with IMDC. Don’t meet us there, beat us there — and support a great organization dedicated to giving back to the IMD! For tickets, click here.
It’s already been a brisk and rewarding start to the new year, and I can’t wait to share even more about the progress and opportunity for the IMD in the months ahead — and to hear about all the great work of your organizations as well. Happy Black History Month, Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and as always, please remember to shop local and support our partners doing great work in and around the IMD — I’ll see you at the United Center on April 1!
Sincerely,
Allyson Hansen
CEO and Executive Director