Spring 2026 Programs at The Black Star Project
Spring is a season of growth, learning, and connection at The Black Star Project. Our Spring 2026 programs provide students with academic support, mentorship, and leadership development in safe, structured, and culturally affirming environments.
This semester, we are proud to offer four core programs serving students across Chicago and Maywood: Kimberly Lightford Saturday University, Phillip Jackson Freedom School, Phillip Jackson Youth Development Program, and Young Black Men of Honor.
Kimberly Lightford Saturday University (KLSU)
Program Dates:
Saturday, February 28 – Saturday, May 2, 2026
Final Celebration:
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Day: Saturdays
Location:
Maywood Park District
921 S. 9th Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
Grades: 4-8
Kimberly Lightford Saturday University provides students with academic enrichment in reading and math, along with leadership development and social-emotional learning. Scholars benefit from structured lessons, caring educators, and a supportive learning community that promotes confidence and consistency.
Registration
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/KLSUSpring2026
📚 Phillip Jackson Freedom School (PJFS)
Program Dates:
Saturday, February 28 – Saturday, May 2, 2026
Final Celebration:
Friday, May 8, 2026
Day: Saturdays
Location:
The Black Star Project Office
3509 S. King Drive, Suite 2B
Chicago, IL 60653
Grades: K-8
Phillip Jackson Freedom School centers literacy, culture, and identity. Students participate in reading, discussion, and enrichment activities that build academic skills while strengthening pride, voice, and teamwork.
Registration
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/PJFSSpring2026
🎓 Phillip Jackson Youth Development Program (PJYDP)
Program Dates:
Friday, February 27 – Friday, May 1, 2026
Final Celebration:
Friday, May 8, 2026
Day: Fridays
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location:
The Black Star Project Office
3509 S. King Drive, Suite 2B
Chicago, IL 60653
The Phillip Jackson Youth Development Program supports middle and high school students with academic guidance, life skills, and personal development. Participants engage in discussions and activities focused on responsibility, goal-setting, and communication.
Registration
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/PJYDPSpring2026
👑 Young Black Men of Honor (YBMOH)
Program Dates:
Tuesday, February 24 – Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Final Celebration:
Friday, May 8, 2026
Day: Tuesdays
Program Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
(Students may arrive at 5:00 PM)
Location:
The Black Star Project Office
3509 S. King Drive, Suite 2B
Chicago, IL 60653
Young Black Men of Honor is a mentoring and leadership program that creates space for young men to grow in leadership, purpose, and brotherhood. Scholars build academic habits, strengthen communication skills, and explore identity and responsibility guided by positive male role models.
Registration
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/YBMOHSpring2026
Why These Programs Matter
Across all four programs, students receive:
Academic enrichment
Mentorship and guidance
Leadership development
Social-emotional support
A safe, structured environment
Families are an essential part of our work, and we encourage parent and guardian participation through orientations, celebrations, and consistent communication.
Each program concludes with a Final Celebration to honor students’ growth, commitment, and achievements.
Register Today
Registration is now open for all Spring 2026 programs.
For questions or assistance with registration:
📧 communityinfo@blackstarproject.org
📞 773-285-9600
