On August 19th, 2025, the Community Learning Partnership (CLP) program officially began its first session of classes at Kennedy-King College, marking an important milestone for the development of grassroots leadership development in Chicago.

The CLP program is a national initiative designed to prepare the next generation of organizers by combining classroom learning and mentorship with hands-on field experience. Through this approach, participants gain both the theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to make meaningful change in their communities.

By partnering with Kennedy-King College, CLP in Chicago now offers students the opportunity to earn a certification in Community Organizing from the City Colleges of Chicago. This not only equips participants with the tools to understand power, build relationships, and develop strategies for change, but also places them on a clear career pathway in organizing—whether in community development, nonprofit leadership, or advocacy.

The Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) has been working to build the program locally since 2023. Through its vision and commitment to developing neighborhood leaders, SWOP helped pave the way for CLP to take root at Kennedy-King College—ensuring that South and West Side communities have access to high-quality training in organizing that is rooted in justice and equity.

For many students, the CLP is both a door into higher education and a launchpad for a lifelong commitment to community change. With Kennedy-King College as its home, the program underscores the importance of developing local leadership from within neighborhoods and ensuring that those most impacted by systemic challenges are also the ones leading the solutions.

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