Beyond Sport

Chicago Bulls College Prep and Chicago Bulls EnergizaBulls Fitness Program

Award Entered:
Sport Team of the Year
Parent Organisation:
Chicago Bulls
Project Host Nation:
United States
Overview of Project:
Chicago Bulls College Prep: During the 2009-10 season, we launched two major projects simultaneously. In August 2009, the Chicago Bulls College Prep opened. We provided $2 million in funding from CharitaBulls, our non-profit foundation. The school is part of the Chicago Public School system, and operated by the Noble Network Charter Schools, The school is tuition-free, and students who apply are chosen by lottery, rather than by academics. Expected graduation rate is 85%, compared to the mid-50% average at other Chicago schools. With our name on the school, we aim to inspire students to succeed and achieve excellence through hard work. The Chicago Bulls College Prep also places an emphasis on fitness. With skyrocketing obesity rates and schools cutting physical education, each Bulls College Prep student will spend 80 minutes a day in gym class. EnergizaBulls Fitness Learning Centers: This project is to create Fitness Centers within Chicago Public Schools to help combat childhood obesity. Along with a US Department of Education Grant, we’ve committed nearly $2 million towards the creation of 20-25 centers over three years. Each of these Fitness Centers is a permanent, sustainable facility located within the school buildings and features equipment such as bikes, treadmills, elliptical, resistance training, exergaming, etc. The program is designed to provide access for children to exercise before, during and after school.