Meet Chicago Concerned Jamaicans (CCJ)
Chicago Concerned Jamaicans Inc was originally formed to aid the relief efforts on the island of Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. The organization is made up of Jamaicans and other citizens living in Chicago and surrounding areas and has stated as its purpose:

"To support education in Jamaica."

Since its inception Chicago Concerned Jamaicans has contributed over a quarter of a million dollars to support education and other programs in Jamaica.

An annual Dinner-Dance held in November is the major fundraising effort that affords the financial wherewithal to fulfill our commitment to the citizens of Jamaica. The success of this event in previous years has been possible only through the generous contributions from individuals and corporations in both the United States and Jamaica.

Chicago Concerned Jamaicans provides specific support to Jamaica through scholarships to high school students and computers for internet access to public libraries. CCJ has also made contributions to the University of Technology Foundation (UTECH) from 2000 to 2005 to provide tertiary education for an individual student. The United Negro College Fund has also received contributions from CCJ, from 1995 to 2004, to support the education of children who receive UNCF scholarships.

The overall philosophy of CCJ in its support for youth is well stated in the following quotes.

" A hundred years from now...it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." Author Unknown.

And the response of one of the awardees: "I would like to encourage you to keep up the great work you are presently doing so that other young Jamaicans as myself may benefit from your generosity." Stacey-Ann Clark, 1998 CXC Examination Course Fee Recipient.

We look forward to your support in our fundraising efforts.