To invest in Chicago’s next generation of leaders, Pursue Scholars will host its 6th Annual Pursue Unity Walk on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The faith-based nonprofit organization aims to raise $150,000 to support holistic development for students on their journey through higher education.
The 24-mile fundraising walk will begin at 6:00 a.m. on the city’s South Side and stretch the full length of Western Avenue—the longest continuous street in Chicago—culminating in a community celebration at Rogers Elementary School in Rogers Park.
Founded in 2007, Pursue Scholars has awarded over $4 million in scholarships and supported more than 150 students and alumni through financial aid, mentorship, networking opportunities, and spiritual guidance. Its mission is to create a pipeline of college-educated leaders from Chicago’s under-resourced communities, equipped to drive social and economic change.
“This fundraiser is important because it ensures that the next generation of leaders have everything they need to be fully equipped for college and surrounded by a good support system,” said Pursue alumna Nneka Jones.
The Unity Walk weaves through diverse neighborhoods and cultural landmarks along Western Avenue, offering walkers a symbolic and literal journey of community connection. Robert Rivera, a past participant, emphasized the deeper meaning of the event: “There are going to be times when we feel like we want to give up. But the idea of unity comes in where we are all encouraging one another to continue and finish the walk.”
This year’s route includes six designated support stations:
• Station 1: Walgreens, 11833 S. Western Ave. (6:00 a.m. start)
• Station 2: St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western Ave. (7:30 a.m.)
• Station 3: McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd. (9:30 a.m.)
• Station 4: Clemente High School, 1147 N. Western Ave. (11:30 a.m.)
• Station 5: Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. (1:30–2:00 p.m.)
• Station 6 / Finish Line: Rogers Elementary School, 7345 N. Washtenaw Ave. (2:30–5:30 p.m.)
The walk concludes with a Finish Line Festival in Rogers Park, featuring food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Organizers encourage community members to cheer on walkers at the support stations and join the festival to show their support.
Executive Director Clive Craigen says the Unity Walk reflects the organization’s core philosophy: “We don’t want students to walk alone. We want to walk with them and build a support network around them.”
Pursue Scholars continues to accept donations in support of this year’s campaign. For more information, visit www.pursuescholars.org or follow Pursue Scholars on Instagram and LinkedIn.