Empowering Dreams | Dr. Shenika Jackson
Dr. Shenika Jackson's Journey in Education and Empowerment
In the heart of the Englewood Community in Chicago, where challenges often outnumber opportunities, Dr. Shenika Jackson stands as a beacon of hope, reshaping the lives of young individuals through education and empowerment. Dr. Jackson, a life-long advocate for education, is one of the driving forces behind the non-profit organization, “My Foundation: Street Smarts to Great Starts Corp.”
Dr. Jackson started her journey in social services with internships that lead to a career working tirelessly to assist those who were formerly incarcerated and veterans transitioning to civilian life. For a decade, she focused on providing stable and affordable housing to veterans, recognizing the critical need for support in their post-military lives. Around 2013, witnessing the slow disappearances of trade classes in schools and the closure of 50 schools in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods, Dr. Jackson recognized a growing gap in support provided to high school students preparing for higher education or the trade sector. Having served in the community for decades she was perfectly positioned to making a lasting impact. In 2015, Dr. Jackson embarked on a journey to earn her doctorate, and in 2017, she co-founded Street Smarts to Great Starts Inc. with a high school friend.
The first project, My College Going Self was launched as a pilot project for an all-African American male group of high school students in March of 2017. This initiative focuses on guiding students through college applications, resource fairs, and the transition from high school to further education or employment.
In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students disengaged from remote learning, thus exacerbating the existing educational inequalities. The program adapted and expanded to provide services to young girls as well. Today, My College Going Self provides college readiness support, college application and scholarship assistance, resume writing support, facilitates attendance at college fairs, provides mentorship and much more.
To provide an alternative option to the youth in her community, Dr. Jackson launched the Rehab 360 program in 2018 which seeks to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, particularly in the construction trade industry. Dr. Jackson utilized her Let’s Choose Love funding to purchase supplies for Rehab 360 program workshops this summer.
Recognizing the diminishing presence of trade classes in schools, Dr. Jackson and her team organize workshops that combine educational lectures with practical demonstrations, facilitated by local tradesmen. These workshops are designed to equip young individuals with essential skills, preparing them for meaningful careers. Rehab 360, running exclusively during the summer, underwent several transformations, with the most recent iteration hosting around 10 participants. The curriculum, spearheaded by Sidney Joseph, explores the construction industry as a viable alternative to traditional college paths. As an advocate for education and empowerment, Dr. Jackson recognizes the importance of choice. Whether pursuing higher education or a trade, both paths offer valuable opportunities and Dr. Jackson’s goal is to provide this opportunity to more and more youth in her community.
Despite the positive impact and success of both projects, Dr. Jackson acknowledges the need for strategic improvements and continuous learning and adaptation. Dr. Jackson has recently completed a certificate program in non-profit management at the University of Chicago, where she delved into fundraising, leadership, and grant writing. She aims to use the knowledge she gained through this program to secure increased funding for her non-profit and expand the impact of her work. One of the key goals for the non-profit is to secure a dedicated space for the Rehab 360 program and enhance the safety measures for the workshops.
Dr. Jackson’s advice to anyone who wants to pursue a similar path is to not give up and find your community: “Not everybody is going to support you. Everybody is not going to understand your vision. I know that it can be difficult, but you have to continue to keep finding people who have the desire to do the work that you do.”
