Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs · Est. 2016 · Youth. Leadership. Impact.
Building Pathways for Youth toLead, Thrive & Succeed.
PLAN4SUCCESS equips underserved students with leadership development, mentorship, scholarships, wellness support, workforce exposure, and civic engagement — from high school through college and beyond.
Students don’t just join a program — they join an ecosystem. One registration connects you to all 7 initiatives from high school through graduation and into your career.
462+
Teen Summit Registrants (6 Yrs)
237
Scholarships Awarded
120+
High Schools Represented
10
Years of Impact
PLAN2LEAD TEEN SUMMITPLAN4PROGRESS SCHOLARSHIP DRIVENATIONAL COLLEGE SUCCESS GUIDESSUCCESS LINKS WEBINAR SERIESPLAN2THRIVE WELLNESSCIVIC ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY ACTIONPLAN4PATHWAYS — COMING SOONPLAN2LEAD TEEN SUMMITPLAN4PROGRESS SCHOLARSHIP DRIVENATIONAL COLLEGE SUCCESS GUIDESSUCCESS LINKS WEBINAR SERIESPLAN2THRIVE WELLNESSCIVIC ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY ACTIONPLAN4PATHWAYS — COMING SOON
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Our Mission
We Don’t Reinvent the Wheel — We Connect It to the Road.
PLAN4SUCCESS builds pathways that prepare underserved youth for college, career, and community leadership by enhancing opportunities at the intersection of resource sharing, professional development, wellness, and civic engagement.
Because this program is student-led, students drive the programs. They design sessions, recruit speakers, facilitate workshops, and build the community that welcomes the next generation.
“Students don’t just need programs. They need ecosystems of support.”
The PLAN4SUCCESS Ecosystem
PARTICIPATE · LEARN · ACT · NETWORK
Student at the Center — All 7 Initiatives Working Together
“You don’t sign up for one initiative — you join the entire ecosystem.”
One registration connects you to all seven PLAN4SUCCESS initiatives. Your journey follows you from your first Teen Summit through high school, into college, and beyond graduation. No silos. No disconnected programming. Just one complete pathway built around you.
Our 7 Initiatives
Every initiative is connected. Students who participate in PLAN4SUCCESS become part of all seven programs — student-led, relationship-centered, and designed to follow you from high school through college and into your career.
🎤
PLAN2LEAD Teen Summit
Leadership
Annual flagship event. 462+ participants from 120+ high schools. Day-long leadership and skill-building.
🎓
PLAN4PROGRESS Scholarship Drive
Access
237 scholarships awarded since 2016. Removing financial barriers to higher education.
📖
National College Success Guides
Mentorship
71 peer leaders on 70+ campuses nationwide supporting belonging, persistence, and leadership.
🔗
SUCCESS LINKS
Connection
Webinar series and professional network. Speakers, mentors, internships, and career exposure.
💛
PLAN2THRIVE
Wellness
Peer-led wellness circles, mental health advocacy, and student support resources.
🗳️
Civic Engagement
Advocacy
Voter registration, conferences, service projects, workshops, and community action.
🛠️
PLAN4PATHWAYS
Pathways
Entrepreneurship and trades pathway for students building outside traditional college routes.
COMING SOON
“Every initiative feeds back to the student at the center.”
Student-led. Relationship-centered. Designed to follow you from high school through graduation and into your career.
10
Years of Service
237
Scholarships Awarded
70+
Campuses & Universities Nationwide
462+
Summit Registrants (6 Years)
Choose Your Path Into the Ecosystem
Whether you’re a high school student, a college scholar, a parent, or a community partner — there is a place for you in PLAN4SUCCESS. Click your cohort below to learn more and sign up.
Leadership development, civic engagement, workshops, mentorship, and skill-building. The PLAN4SUCCESS journey begins at the Teen Summit and follows students into college and beyond.
Peer support, wellness resources, career readiness, campus-based leadership, and national professional connections through SUCCESS LINKS and 71 peer-led College Success Guides.
Stay connected to every opportunity and resource we offer your student. Parents in our network have led workshops, provided support, and helped build the community that makes PLAN4SUCCESS work.
PLAN4SUCCESS connects nonprofits across the Chicagoland and surrounding suburban communities to prevent service duplication and expand what is possible for every student we serve.
Peek Inside PLAN4SUCCESS
See What We’re Building
From summit stages to campus living rooms — our student-led community shows up everywhere.
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Inside the Action
Teen Summit Experience
Annual Leadership Experience · UIC
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From Vision to Purpose
Scholar & Student Stories
Real students. Real impact. Real futures.
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Be Part of the Mission
SUCCESS LINKS Conversations
Industry leaders. Monthly. Free for all scholars.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Register, show up, and be part of the movement.
June 30, 2026
Scholarship Deadline
Deadline June 30. Notification July 18. Mandatory ceremony August 1, 2026.
Apply Today →
Summer 2026
PLAN2LEAD Teen Summit
Annual leadership summit at UIC. 462+ students. 120+ high schools. 12 workshops.
Register →
Monthly
SUCCESS LINKS Webinars
Industry leaders. Free for all college cohort members nationwide.
Register →
August 2026
GIVE100 Campaign Launch
Fuel the mission. Change lives. Join the GIVE100 movement today.
Give Now →
Support the Mission
Invest in the Next Generation of Leaders
Your support helps underserved students access scholarships, leadership opportunities, wellness resources, and pathways to long-term success. Every dollar moves a student closer to their future.
About PLAN4SUCCESS
Ten Years of Purpose-Driven Community Work.
Founded on Chicago’s South Side in 2016, PLAN4SUCCESS has grown into a student-led, multi-program foundation serving underserved teens and young adults across 120+ schools, 70+ universities, and the Chicagoland and surrounding suburban communities.
Our History
Built from the Community Up.
PLAN4SUCCESS was born from a simple but powerful belief: every young person in our community deserves a clear path forward. It started as an extension of everything Nickie Brookens was already doing with young people — bringing others along, building one initiative at a time, rooting every decision in student voice and real community need.
Because this program is student-led, students drive it. They design sessions, recruit speakers, facilitate workshops, and build the community that welcomes every new participant. Over ten years that student leadership has grown into seven interconnected initiatives spanning the Chicagoland and surrounding suburban communities.
2016
PLAN4SUCCESS Founded — Nickie Brookens launches the organization on Chicago’s South Side with a mission to serve underserved youth through practical life skills and community connection.
2017
First PLAN2LEAD Teen Summit — Flagship annual summit launches at UIC, bringing together high school students from across Chicagoland.
2018
College Cohort Launched — Scholarships, care packages, and SUCCESS LINKS professional network access begins for college scholars nationwide.
2020
SUCCESS LINKS Goes Virtual — Webinar series launches with Google, UChicago, and RB Global speakers. Community expands to 70+ campuses nationwide.
2023
PLAN2THRIVE Launches — Mental health and wellness initiative added, with Northwestern University research partnership.
Nickie Brookens is a community practitioner, civic facilitator, and youth development leader with deep roots in Chicago’s South Side and south suburban communities. For over a decade she has worked at the intersection of education, philanthropy, events management, and community engagement — bringing people, programs, and resources together in service of young people who too often go unseen.
She built PLAN4SUCCESS from the ground up because she believed underserved students deserved the same access, the same support, and the same belief in their future that any student deserves. What started as an extension of everything she was already doing with young people has grown into a seven-program ecosystem serving the Chicagoland area and beyond.
“I built PLAN4SUCCESS because I wanted young people on the South Side to have the same access, the same support, and the same belief in their future that any student deserves.”
Affiliations & Community Roles
Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women / BIB Scholar
The PLAN4SUCCESS board brings together community leaders, educators, and advocates committed to our mission.
NB
Nickie Brookens
Founder & Executive Director
KC
Dr. Katari Coleman
Board President
NJ
Nicholas Jones
Vice President
JW
Jaime Wesley
Treasurer
NW
Natalie Williams
Strategic Director
AM
Angelique Marseille
Community Outreach
SR
Sharidan Rickmon
College Cohort Director
JH
Jordan Howard
Teen Cohort Director
LM
Lolitha McKinney
Compliance
AU
Antonio Underwood
CSG Director
7 Program Initiatives
An Ecosystem Built for Every Student.
From your first Teen Summit through college graduation and into your career — PLAN4SUCCESS wraps seven interconnected, student-led programs around every participant. One registration. One complete journey. No gaps. No silos.
You Don’t Sign Up for One Initiative — You Join the Entire Ecosystem.
Complete the registration form once and you become a participant in all seven PLAN4SUCCESS initiatives. Your journey follows you from high school through college and beyond. Because this program is student-led — students drive it, design it, and build it together.
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PLAN2LEAD Summit
01
PLAN2LEAD Teen Summit
Leadership Development
Our annual flagship event brings students from 120+ high schools across the Chicagoland and surrounding suburban communities together for a full day of leadership training, peer networking, and community. This is where the PLAN4SUCCESS journey begins — and where students first experience what it means to lead.
Full-day conference held at University of Illinois Chicago
12 life skill workshops including the top-requested Game of Life
Students from 120+ high schools across Chicagoland and suburbs
Gateway into the full ecosystem — scholarship eligibility, college cohort pipeline, and peer leader network
Student-designed sessions — participants lead workshops, not just attend them
462+Registrants (6 Yrs)
120+High Schools
12Workshops
02
PLAN4PROGRESS Scholarship Drive
Accessible Education
Since 2016, PLAN4SUCCESS has awarded 237 scholarships to incoming and current college students — removing financial barriers to education for students who have earned their seat at the table. GIVE100 and Give Legacy donations directly fund every scholarship we award.
Open to high school seniors and current college students
Annual cycle — opens April 14, deadline July 11, 2026
Funded entirely through GIVE100 and Give Legacy community donations
Our College Success Guides are student leaders embedded on campuses nationwide — the on-the-ground connection between PLAN4SUCCESS and our scholars wherever they land. We started with 6 guides in the pilot year, grew to 33 in year one, and 32 in year two — 71 peer leaders trained across 70+ campuses nationwide.
71 peer leaders trained on 70+ campuses and universities nationwide
Campus meet-and-greets, voter registration drives, and service projects
Holiday Kickback events and care package coordination
Student-led — guides design and run their own campus programming
Direct pipeline for mentorship, internships, and peer support
71Peer Leaders
70+Campuses
04
SUCCESS LINKS
Network & Professional Connection
SUCCESS LINKS connects college scholars and young professionals to industry leaders, career opportunities, and each other through a monthly webinar series and a growing national alumni network. This is the program that built the structural proof of concept — connecting underserved students to careers and opportunities they could not access alone.
Monthly virtual webinar series — free for all college cohort members
Speakers from Google, UChicago, RB Global, and beyond
Resume editing, LinkedIn profile creation, and interview prep
Internship and career opportunity sharing across the national network
Student-designed session agendas — scholars choose who they want to hear from
PLAN2THRIVE addresses the mental health crisis among underserved college students through peer-led wellness circles, stigma reduction programming, and help-seeking activation — meeting students where they are with the support they actually want. Our Northwestern University research partnership is building the academic validation to take this program national.
Peer-led wellness circles on campuses across the nation
Addressing the 67% of underserved students experiencing moderate-to-high distress
Stigma reduction and help-seeking behavior activation
Research partnership with Northwestern University ARCC
Pathway to becoming a nationally recognized mental health research hub
67%Distress Rate Addressed
NWResearch Partner
06
Civic Engagement & Community Action
Advocacy & Civic Leadership
We believe civic participation is a life skill. Our civic engagement programming empowers underserved teens and young adults to use their voice, take action in their communities, and understand the systems that shape their lives — from voter registration to community service to local advocacy.
Voter registration drives reaching 100+ peers per campaign
Community service projects led by the College Advisory Board
Conferences and workshops on civic rights and community advocacy
Student-planned and student-led projects every semester
Partnering with UIC CHANCE Program for community impact
Not every path runs through a four-year university — and PLAN4SUCCESS knows that. PLAN4PATHWAYS will provide resources, mentorship, and connections for students pursuing entrepreneurship, skilled trades, and alternative career pathways. Every path is valid. Every student is supported.
Entrepreneurship coaching and business development resources
Skilled trades connections and apprenticeship pathway support
Peer network for non-traditional career builders
Student-designed curriculum built with and for alternative pathway learners
Life Skills Workshop Catalog
12 Workshops. Real Skills. Real Life.
Developed over 10 years — student-designed, student-led, and built for the real challenges underserved students face.
⭐ Most Requested
Game of Life
Financial literacy and life planning through real-world simulation. The workshop students ask for every year.
Financial Literacy
Brand Called YOU
Personal branding and professional presence building for young professionals.
Career Development
Resume & LinkedIn Lab
Hands-on resume building and LinkedIn profile creation with real professional feedback.
Career Readiness
College Application Bootcamp
Essay writing, application strategy, scholarship search, and FAFSA guidance all in one session.
College Prep
Voter Registration & Civic Rights
Understanding your vote, your rights, and your power in the civic landscape.
Civic Engagement
Mental Health 101
Destigmatizing mental health conversations and building wellness habits for college and beyond.
Wellness
Entrepreneurship Essentials
Business fundamentals, idea validation, and the entrepreneurial mindset.
Entrepreneurship
Networking That Works
Building authentic professional relationships and following up effectively.
Professional Development
Navigating Campus Life
Surviving and thriving in the first year of college — from advisors to mental health to community.
College Success
Community Service Leadership
Planning, leading, and measuring the impact of community service projects.
Leadership
Social Media & Your Future
Building an online presence that employers and admissions officers respect.
Digital Literacy
Know Your Numbers
Credit scores, budgeting basics, student loans, and financial wellness for young adults.
Financial Literacy
What the Data Says
Our Students Are Outperforming Every National Benchmark.
Using PLAN4SUCCESS student program data, UChicago Harris Community Action tracked 183 alumni and found that our students graduate from 4-year colleges at an estimated rate of 70–92% — far exceeding every comparable national average.
70–92%
P4S Students Est. Graduation Rate
45%
National Rate Black Students
52%
National Rate Hispanic Students
64%
National Average Overall
48%
CPS Alumni 10-Year Rate
Source: UChicago Harris Community Action Alumni Framework, March 2026. Data sourced from PLAN4SUCCESS student program records.
Community
Every Stage. Every Student. Every Family.
We meet students where they are — in high school, in college, at home, and in the community — and we don’t let go.
Community Cohorts
Choose Your Path Into the Ecosystem
Teen Cohort
College Cohort
Parent Cohort
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Teen Cohort · Helping Youth Plan for the Future
High School Students Ready to Lead
462+
Registrants (6 Yrs)
120+
High Schools
12
Workshops
We share resources across our high school students to enrich their academic and extracurricular endeavors and help them plan for post-graduation options. Teen Scholars attend 120+ high schools across the Chicagoland and surrounding suburban communities.
12 practical life skill workshops at the annual day-long conference at UIC
Shadow days, letters of recommendation, and resource connections
Direct pipeline into our College Cohort and SUCCESS LINKS professional network
Student-led civic engagement projects and voter registration drives
Because this is student-led, teens design sessions and lead workshops — not just attend them
“This program gave me skills I will take with me the rest of my life!”
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College Cohort · College Success
College Scholars Supported Nationwide
150+
Active Scholars
70+
Campuses Nationwide
71
Peer Leaders
We share resources across our college students to foster a community of scholars and continue supporting their higher achievement. College Scholars attend 70+ colleges and universities across the nation — with a P4S College Success Guide on campus to meet them where they are.
Scholarships and financial support through PLAN4PROGRESS
Regular check-ins and care packages from the community
Resume editing and LinkedIn profile creation through SUCCESS LINKS
Internship and professional opportunity access through the national network
PLAN2THRIVE peer wellness circles for mental health support on campus
“Receiving the care package with snacks and a personal note let me know there are other people besides my parents cheering for my success!”
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Parent Cohort · Supporting Parents
Parents In the Loop. Always.
Our Parent Cohort keeps families informed and involved in every opportunity we offer their child. Parents work together, share information and resources, and connect via our GroupMe community. Engaged parents build stronger scholars.
Industry professional parents have led workshops and volunteered at conferences
Parents have provided monetary support to help all youth PLAN4SUCCESS
Direct resource sharing via GroupMe app and email communication
Invited to all PLAN4SUCCESS events, summits, and milestone celebrations
“Stay in the loop of resources — join our Parent Cohort today!”
Nonprofit Network
Explore Our Community Network
PLAN4SUCCESS maximizes its reach by connecting nonprofit organizations across Chicagoland and the surrounding suburban communities to prevent service duplication and expand what is possible for every student we serve.
All Community Network partners can advertise events on our Community Calendar. Resources are shared via social media, group chats, and email communication.
👊
Male Opportunities
📚
Tutoring
🎓
College
🤝
Community Organizations
💼
Mentoring
🔬
STEM
💰
Financial Literacy
🌟
Leadership
♀
Female Opportunities
For informational purposes only. Please do your due diligence when connecting with any organization. PLAN4SUCCESS assumes no responsibility for third-party organizations.
Join Our Nonprofit Network
If your organization serves youth in the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs, we want to connect. Together we prevent service duplication and expand what is possible.
1
Click the Partner With Us button below
2
Complete the Nonprofit Community Form
3
501(c)(3) verified → added to network + calendar
Calendar of Events
What’s Happening at PLAN4SUCCESS
From our annual Summit to monthly webinars and scholarship deadlines — here is everything coming up. Register, show up, and be part of the movement.
📅 Scholarship Season — Apply. Donate. Partner.
🔥 Don’t Miss This
2026 Scholarship Season Apply. Donate. Partner.
Our annual flagship leadership summit returns — bringing together students from 120+ high schools for a full day of student-led workshops, keynotes, networking, and community.
📅 Application Opens: May 6, 2026
⚠ Deadline: June 30, 2026
📅 Notification: July 18, 2026
🎉 Mandatory Ceremony: August 1, 2026
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Upcoming Events
APPLICATION OPEN
Scholarship Application
Open to graduating seniors and current college students. Must reside in Chicago or surrounding suburbs. Deadline June 30, 2026.
CAMPAIGN LIVE
GIVE100 Fundraising Campaign
100 people. $100 each. 10 scholarships. Join the GIVE100 campaign and help fund books, travel, and student expenses.
PARTNERSHIP OPEN
Collective Day of Giving
Partner with us for August 1, 2026. Your organization selects scholars, provides award checks, and presents on stage at the ceremony.
What’s Coming Up
July 11, 2026
PLAN4PROGRESS Scholarship Deadline
Last day to submit your 2026 scholarship application. Don’t wait.
Scholarship
Monthly
SUCCESS LINKS Webinar Series
Monthly virtual sessions with industry professionals. Free for all cohort members.
Webinar
Ongoing
PLAN2THRIVE Peer Wellness Circles
Peer-led mental health support circles for college students on campuses nationwide.
Wellness
Summer 2026
Teen Cohort Workshop Series
Student-led life skills workshops covering all 12 topics throughout the year.
Workshop
Fall 2026
Campus Kickoff — College Advisory Board
College Scholars launch the year with meet-and-greets and service project planning.
Community
August 2026
GIVE100 Campaign Launch
Fuel the mission. Change lives. Join the GIVE100 scholarship campaign.
Fundraiser
Never Miss What’s Next
Stay Connected to the Mission
Every student, parent, partner, and supporter deserves to know what is happening.
Every dollar moves a student closer to their future.
PLAN4SUCCESS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely by people and organizations who believe that underserved youth deserve the same access, support, and opportunity as anyone else. Your investment goes directly to students.
237
Scholarships Awarded
462+
Summit Registrants
150+
College Scholars Active
“Receiving the care package with snacks and a personal note let me know there are other people besides my parents cheering for my success.”— PLAN4SUCCESS College Scholar
70+
Campuses Nationwide
71
Peer Leaders Trained
120+
High Schools Represented
$0
Cost to Students
Ways to Give
Choose Your Giving Pathway
💛
Most Impactful
GIVE100 — Annual Gift
$100 / year
One hundred dollars. Twelve months of impact. Your annual gift funds scholarships, summit programming, care packages, and the mentorship students can’t find anywhere else. GIVE100 and Give Legacy together fund every scholarship PLAN4SUCCESS awards.
$100 covers one college care package + scholarship contribution
🔄
Success Circle — Monthly Giving
$25+ / month
The Success Circle is our recurring giving community. Our goal is 500 monthly donors giving a minimum of $25 per month — generating $150,000 annually in baseline recurring revenue that is not dependent on any single grant cycle. Monthly donors provide the sustainable foundation that allows PLAN4SUCCESS to plan ahead and scale programs.
Goal: 500 donors × $25 min = $150,000/year operational floor
🎗️
Give Legacy — Major Gift
$1,000 one-time
A Give Legacy gift makes a named, lasting contribution to PLAN4SUCCESS — directly funding scholarships through our annual PLAN4PROGRESS scholarship drive. GIVE100 and Give Legacy together power every scholarship we award each year.
$1,000 funds one named full scholarship award
🏢
Corporate Sponsorship
$2,500 — $50,000+
Three sponsorship tiers with defined benefits, named recognition, and quarterly impact reporting. Your brand reaches students, families, educators, and community leaders across the Chicagoland and surrounding suburban communities.
See sponsorship tiers below
📋
Foundation & Institutional Grants
$10,000 — $100,000+
We actively apply for and accept foundation and institutional grants. Current applications pending: AAL Community Care Grant (Chicago Community Trust), ARCC Research Pilot Seed Grant (Northwestern University), and AARP grant.
AAL $25K pending · ARCC Northwestern · AARP
🤲
Volunteer & In-Kind Support
Give your time & expertise
Professionals who speak at our SUCCESS LINKS webinars, mentor our scholars, volunteer at the Summit, or donate services directly invest in student success. One speaker can change a student’s entire career path.
One speaker can change a student’s entire career path
Corporate & Organizational Sponsorship
Partner with Us at Scale
Your brand reaches students, families, educators, and community leaders across the Chicagoland and surrounding suburban communities.
Summit Supporter
Community Partner
$2,500+
Logo on Summit program materials and website
Social media recognition post
Annual impact summary with outcomes
Invitation to student showcase events
Program Partner
Impact Partner
$5,000+
Logo on Summit stage, website, and all collateral
2 tickets to annual Funders Breakfast
Recognition in newsletter and social media
SUCCESS LINKS network access for recruitment
Quarterly impact reporting
Community Champion · Premier
Strategic Partner
$10,000+
Named scholarship award in your organization’s honor
Premier logo placement on Summit stage and all collateral
Table for 8 at annual Funders Breakfast
SUCCESS LINKS webinar speaking opportunity
Dedicated social media campaign and press mention
Annual impact report with your investment outcomes
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Meet the Scholars Your Support Made Possible
These students are the direct outcome of every dollar invested in PLAN4SUCCESS.
S1
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University Name Major · Year
2025 Recipient
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← Scroll to see all recipients · Replace placeholder names with actual 2025 scholars before publishing →
For Institutional Funders
Why Institutional Partners Invest in PLAN4SUCCESS
PLAN4SUCCESS is not a startup nonprofit. We are a decade-old, community-embedded, student-led organization with a proven track record of reaching underserved youth at scale — and the data to prove it.
Using our own student program records, UChicago Harris Community Action confirmed that PLAN4SUCCESS students graduate from 4-year colleges at an estimated rate of 70–92% — outperforming the national average for Black students by up to 47 percentage points.
10 yrs
Proven community track record
7
Interconnected program initiatives
501(c)(3)
Federally recognized nonprofit
NW+UC
University research partnerships
Transparency & Stewardship
We Take Donor Trust Seriously
🏛 Organizational Standing
Legal Status501(c)(3) Nonprofit
EIN47-5527537
Founded2016 · 10th Year
HeadquartersHomewood, IL
Annual ReportAvailable on request
IRS Form 990Available on request
📊 How Your Dollars Are Spent
Direct student programs
72%
Scholarship awards
18%
Operations & admin
10%
Update these figures with your actual audited allocation percentages before publishing.
Ready to Invest?
The next scholar is waiting. Let’s go.
Whether you give $25 or $25,000 — your investment joins a community of people who believe that where a student grows up should never determine how far they go.
Your 12-Step Pathway Through the PLAN4SUCCESS Ecosystem
Each cohort completes 12 monthly sessions mapped to the PLAN competencies: Participate · Learn · Act · Network. Complete all 12 to earn your Co-Curricular Certificate. Click any step to register.
One registration connects you to all 7 initiatives. Once you fill out the form, you will receive Session 1 to begin your journey immediately through our MonkeyPod system.
👥 Teen Journey
🎓 College Journey
📚 CSG Journey
💔 Parent Journey
Teen Cohort — 12 Monthly Sessions
Student-led programming for high school students from 120+ schools. Complete all 12 sessions mapped to the PLAN framework to earn your Co-Curricular Certificate and graduate into the College Cohort.
Your 12-Step Journey
01
Participate P
Summit Registration & Ecosystem Orientation
Register for PLAN4SUCCESS. Attend orientation, learn the PLAN framework, meet your cohort, and understand how all 7 initiatives connect to your journey.
02
Learn L
Game of Life Workshop
Financial literacy through real-world simulation. Navigate budgets, careers, and major life decisions. Top-requested workshop designed by students for students.
03
Participate P
Teen Summit Attendance
Attend the annual PLAN2LEAD Teen Summit at UIC. Student-led workshops, keynote speakers, peer networking, and community building across 120+ schools.
04
Act A
Civic Engagement Project
Complete one student-led civic engagement activity — voter registration drive, community service project, or local advocacy initiative.
05
Learn L
Brand Called YOU & Resume Lab
Personal branding, professional presence, resume building, and LinkedIn profile creation with feedback from industry professionals.
06
Network N
SUCCESS LINKS Webinar Attendance
Attend one SUCCESS LINKS professional webinar. Connect with industry leaders and start building your professional network as a high school student.
07
Learn L
College Application Bootcamp
Essay writing strategy, application planning, scholarship search, and FAFSA guidance in one student-designed session.
08
Act A
Service Learning Project
Complete a semester-long community service project. Plan it, lead it, and document your impact using the Student Completion Portfolio.
09
Participate P
Mental Health 101 & PLAN2THRIVE
Participate in a PLAN2THRIVE peer wellness circle. Destigmatize mental health conversations and build wellness habits for college and beyond.
10
Network N
Peer Mentorship Connection
Be matched with a College Success Guide or mentor in your career area through the SUCCESS LINKS mentorship network.
11
Act A
College Readiness Milestone
Complete college readiness milestones: FAFSA submission, application strategy, scholarship applications, and interview preparation.
12
Network ✓ Milestone
Graduation & College Cohort Onboarding
Formally graduate from the Teen Cohort. Onboard into the College Cohort to continue your PLAN4SUCCESS journey through college and beyond.
Complete All 12 Steps — Earn Your Co-Curricular Certificate
Students who complete all 12 monthly sessions earn the PLAN4SUCCESS Co-Curricular Certificate — a credential you add to your resume and LinkedIn profile, formally recognized at universities where our College Success Guides operate.
College Cohort — 12 Monthly Sessions
12 monthly sessions for college scholars on 70+ campuses nationwide. Peer-led, resource-rich, and connected to SUCCESS LINKS professional network and PLAN2THRIVE wellness circles.
Your 12-Step Journey
01
Participate P
College Cohort Registration & Campus Orientation
Register for the College Cohort. Connect with your campus College Success Guide. Attend your first campus meet-and-greet and learn available resources.
02
Learn L
SUCCESS LINKS Webinar — Session 1
Attend your first SUCCESS LINKS monthly webinar. Industry leader speaks on career development, networking, and professional pathways.
03
Participate P
PLAN2THRIVE Wellness Circle
Join your first peer-led wellness circle on campus. Connect with scholars navigating college stress, belonging, and resilience.
04
Act A
Campus Civic Engagement Project
Complete one civic engagement activity — voter registration drive, campus community service, or advocacy project led by scholars.
05
Learn L
Resume & LinkedIn Lab
Build or refine your resume and LinkedIn profile with SUCCESS LINKS professionals. Internship and career opportunity access begins here.
06
Network N
Professional Networking Event
Attend one SUCCESS LINKS networking event or alumni connection session. Build authentic professional relationships.
07
Act A
Scholarship Application
Apply for the annual PLAN4PROGRESS scholarship. Document academic progress, community involvement, and career goals.
08
Learn L
Career Readiness Workshop
Interview preparation, professional presence, networking follow-up, and industry-specific career pathways in one session.
09
Participate P
Mid-Year Wellness & Progress Check-In
Complete a mid-year check-in with your College Success Guide. Review progress and connect to campus resources as needed.
10
Network N
Alumni & Mentor Connection
Connect with a PLAN4SUCCESS alumni mentor in your field through the three-pillar Alumni Engagement Framework.
11
Act A
Community Impact Project
Lead or co-lead one community impact project in partnership with local organizations through the Civic Engagement initiative.
12
Network ✓ Milestone
Graduation & Alumni Network Activation
Graduate from the College Cohort. Activate alumni network membership. Become a mentor, SUCCESS LINKS speaker, or Success Circle donor.
Complete All 12 Steps — Earn Your Co-Curricular Certificate
College scholars who complete all 12 sessions earn the PLAN4SUCCESS Co-Curricular Certificate recognized at universities where our College Success Guides are embedded.
College Success Guide Journey — 12 Monthly Sessions
12 monthly sessions for trained peer leaders on campuses nationwide. Complete all steps including the full PLAN Framework Certification to earn your CSG Co-Curricular Certificate.
Your 12-Step Journey
01
Participate P
CSG Application & Training Orientation
Apply and be selected as a College Success Guide. Complete CSG training covering the PLAN framework, campus responsibilities, and student support protocols.
02
Learn L
PLAN Certification — Module 1: Participate
Complete Module 1. Learn principles of community participation and how to engage scholars on your campus effectively.
03
Learn L
PLAN Certification — Module 2: Learn
Develop skills in facilitating student-led learning experiences, running workshops, and designing engaging campus sessions.
04
Act A
PLAN Certification — Module 3: Act
Learn to lead campus civic engagement projects, voter registration drives, and service-learning initiatives.
05
Network N
PLAN Certification — Module 4: Network
Build skills in professional networking, alumni connection, and helping scholars access career and internship opportunities.
06
Participate P
Campus Meet-and-Greet & Cohort Launch
Host your first campus meet-and-greet. Welcome new scholars, introduce the PLAN4SUCCESS ecosystem, and build campus community.
07
Act A
Campus Civic Engagement Drive
Lead a voter registration drive or community service initiative on campus. Document participation and impact in your CSG monthly report.
08
Learn L
Workshop Facilitation — Student-Led Session
Design and facilitate one student-led workshop using the PLAN framework. Submit run of show 48 hours before for director review.
09
Network N
SUCCESS LINKS Campus Connection
Coordinate campus participation in one SUCCESS LINKS webinar. Recruit at least 5 scholars and document engagement.
10
Act A
Mid-Year Report & At-Risk Scholar Outreach
Submit mid-year CSG report. Identify and connect with at-risk scholars who need additional support or resources.
11
Participate P
Holiday Kickback & Care Package Coordination
Coordinate the PLAN4SUCCESS Holiday Kickback event or care package distribution. Document scholar engagement and feedback.
12
Network ✓ Milestone
Annual CSG Review & Certification Completion
Complete annual CSG review with College Director. Submit your portfolio. Receive your Co-Curricular Certificate of Completion.
Complete All 12 Steps — Earn Your Co-Curricular Certificate
CSG leaders who complete all 12 sessions and the PLAN Framework Certification earn the College Success Guide Co-Curricular Certificate recognized at universities where we operate.
Parent Cohort Journey — 12 Monthly Touchpoints
12 monthly touchpoints for parents and families supporting their students through the ecosystem. Stay connected, contribute your skills, and help build the community around our students.
Your 12-Step Journey
01
Participate P
Parent Cohort Registration & Welcome
Register for the Parent Cohort. Join the GroupMe community and receive your welcome packet with resources, contacts, and program calendar.
02
Learn L
Understanding the PLAN Ecosystem
Learn how all 7 PLAN4SUCCESS initiatives connect and how your student will progress from high school through college and career.
03
Participate P
Teen Summit Parent Orientation
Attend parent orientation at or before the PLAN2LEAD Teen Summit. Meet other parents, program staff, and community partners.
04
Act A
Community Resource Sharing
Share at least one resource, opportunity, or event within the Parent Cohort GroupMe. Your connections are part of the ecosystem.
05
Learn L
College Readiness Parent Workshop
Attend a workshop on FAFSA, scholarships, college applications, financial aid, and what to expect during the college transition.
06
Network N
Professional Skills Contribution
If you have a professional skill to offer — workshop facilitation, career advice, or event support — sign up to contribute to one session.
07
Act A
GIVE100 or Success Circle Participation
Join the GIVE100 campaign or become a Success Circle monthly donor. Parents who give back help fund the scholarships their students benefit from.
08
Learn L
PLAN2THRIVE Family Wellness Session
Attend a family wellness session on supporting your student's mental health and building family communication around college stress.
09
Participate P
Annual Summit Attendance
Attend the annual PLAN2LEAD Teen Summit or College Cohort event. Be present for your student's leadership development journey.
10
Network N
Parent Network Connection
Connect one other parent in the cohort with a resource, opportunity, or introduction that supports their student's success.
11
Act A
Advocacy & Community Action
Participate in one civic engagement activity alongside your student and the PLAN4SUCCESS community.
12
Network ✓ Milestone
Annual Parent Cohort Review
Complete the annual parent cohort review survey. Share feedback that helps PLAN4SUCCESS improve programs and better serve families.
Complete All 12 Steps — Earn Your Co-Curricular Certificate
Engaged parents build stronger scholars. Every touchpoint you complete strengthens the community that surrounds and supports your student from high school through college and into career.
Coming Soon
Session Calendar & Progress Tracker
Once you register, your session calendar will show all upcoming session dates, what competency each session covers, and your progress toward completing all 12 steps and earning your certificate.
