For our latest mural, we’ve partnered with Chicago Debates, a local nonprofit dedicated to bridging the educational opportunity gap for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students through academic debate. Throughout the last 25 years, this organization has partnered with more than 90 schools to support thousands of students with debate programs to help foster academic, career, and leadership success.

As a bank working to help build a stronger Chicago, we’ve supported Chicago Debates for nearly a decade. In 2020, Wintrust Founder & CEO Ed Wehmer was recognized by the organization as its Champion of Debate at the annual Make Room for Debate Luncheon.

The mural’s vibrant imagery depicts the transformative experience Chicago Debates’ after-school activities can be for students, while colorful speech bubbles describe the lifelong skills and lessons learned in these programs. It also features the words “Debate,” “Be Heard,” and “Change,” to help all who see it gain a better understanding of Chicago Debates and its mission. We hope this mural increases awareness and visibility of this crucial organization, and inspires hope and a belief in our students as future leaders.

This year, Chicago Debates is hosting its annual summer camp, Chicago Debates Summer Institute, virtually. This two-week camp is open to any student in grades 5-12, and is available at low or no cost for CPS Title I students. For more information, click here.

To learn more about Chicago Debates, visit chicagodebates.org. And, if you’re looking for ways to get involved, consider attending Chicago Debates’ 10th annual Make Room for Debate Luncheon on September 23, which helps raise money to support Chicago Public School students.