Niurka Morales, a devoted mother of two and a fervent supporter of education, shares her remarkable journey from volunteering to becoming a School Security Officer at Gale Community Academy in Rogers Park. Having lost her job as a store manager in 2012, Niurka seized the opportunity to volunteer at her son’s school. This marked the beginning of her involvement with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system.
Despite not holding the official title of a teacher, Niurka has been working with children since she was 17. Her early experiences in volunteering at the Youth Service Project and youth sports programs in Humboldt Park laid the foundation for her commitment to children’s well-being and education.
Gale Community Academy caters to a diverse student population. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that addresses English learner’s and general education students’ unique needs.
Niurka’s journey took a transformative turn with her involvement in Springboard Collaborative. Joining the program in the summer of 2023, she quickly ascended from a Site Support role to becoming a Program Leader. Niurka expressed gratitude for the support, collaboration, and love she receives from the Springboard Collaborative team, marking a significant positive shift in her professional journey.
In the fall of 2023, Niurka partnered with Loyola Academy High School. This collaboration, sparked by a connection between principals, saw eight Loyola Academy juniors and seniors volunteering in Gale Community Academy’s Springboard Collaborative after-school program. Their focus was on supporting young readers, particularly newly arrived migrant Spanish-speaking students. The impact was profound, with students eagerly awaiting the arrival of their high school mentors, creating joyous moments that warmed Niurka’s heart. This winter of 2024, a new group of student volunteers joined the Gale Community Academy’s Springboard Collaborative program.
Reflecting on her experience with Springboard Collaborative, Niurka emphasized the joy of working closely with students and families. Witnessing the positive change in students’ attitudes toward reading and the reconnection between families through education brought her immense satisfaction. Niurka extended her appreciation to her dedicated team, acknowledging their crucial role in her journey.
Niurka Morales stands as a testament to the power of dedication and adaptability in education. Her story at Gale Community Academy, coupled with the impactful partnership with Loyola High School and Springboard Collaborative, exemplifies the transformative potential of community-driven educational initiatives.
Springboard Collaborative is a proud partner of Chicago Public Schools. Our program’s students gain on average 4.9 months of reading growth in essential literacy skills nationwide. Click here to read our latest impact report.