Illinois Network of Charter Schools Distributes 25,000 Masks to Local Schools

Acquired through FEMA program, masks will go to schools conducting hybrid learning or where staff use buildings at reduced capacity

CHICAGO, IL – Today, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) announced the distribution of 25,000 washable cloth masks to charter public schools throughout the City of Chicago. In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), INCS supplied thousands of reusable masks to charter public schools that are conducting hybrid learning or have some population of staff and educators using school facilities.

“Several schools are still able to safely make use of their facilities during this pandemic,” said INCS Chief of Staff Ariel Johnson. “When they are doing so, we want to make sure that schools, staff, and families have the equipment they need to remain safe without the added burden of purchasing masks and other materials. This FEMA program allows us to provide a high quality mask for thousands of staff and students at no cost.”

INCS partners with charter public schools across Illinois to support conditions that enable students to unlock their true potential through a high-quality public education. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, INCS’ focus has shifted to supporting a new set of conditions, such as remote learning, providing sanitation materials, and financial relief for families.

Charter public schools that received the reusable masks include:

• Academy for Global Citizenship
• ACE Amandla Charter High School
• Art In Motion
• Asian Human Services-Passages
• Betty Shabaaz International Charter Schools
• Bronzeville Academy Charter School
• Catalyst Schools
• CICS Bucktown
• CICS Lloyd Bond
• CICS Longwood
• CICS Loomis
• CICS Prairie
• CICS Washington Park
• CICS West Belden
• CICS Avalon
• Chicago Math & Science Academy
• Elgin Math and Science Academy
• Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park
• Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy
• KIPP Chicago
• LEARN Network
• Legacy Charter School
• North Lawndale College Prep
• Quest Charter Academy
• The Montessori School of Englewood
• UChicago Woodlawn

For more information, please contact Jodie Cantrell, Director of External Affairs, at jcantrell@incschools.org.

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS NETWORK OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) advocates for the improvement of public education by leveraging the charter school model as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. As the voice of Illinois charter schools, INCS engages a diverse coalition of policymakers, school leaders, parents, and community members to create systemic change and secure high-quality schools for underserved communities. Learn more at incschools.org.