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Galaxy Summit

Celebrating and Affirming Diversity at CPS

The Galaxy Summit is an annual event designed to create an affirming space for all to learn about and celebrate the galaxies of gender, sexuality and love that exist in our communities.

The Summit is intended to create a safe space for students to learn about the diversity of the CPS community while participating in fun, educational activities and getting to know their peers from across Chicago. The day-long event will include student- and staff-led workshops, performances, art projects, community building, and speakers.

The Galaxy Summit is hosted by the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness. To learn more, review the information below or view the event registration packet [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]

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When

Saturday, March 2, 2024
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Where

Malcolm X Conference Center
1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
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Who

CPS students from 5th grade through 12th grade and CPS staff members
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Questions?

Email galaxysummit@cps.edu

Register for the Galaxy Summit

To attend for the Galaxy Summit, submit the Registration Form linked below. Registration closes on February 2, 2024. After registering, you will receive via email:

  • A digital Caregiver Consent Form that must be completed by February 16, 2024 to attend the event. If you would prefer, you may submit a hard copy of the consent form [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ].
  • A Transportation Form to request pickup by bus or CTA card at no cost. The Transportation From will be distributed on February 5, 2024 and is due February 9, 2024.

Submit Registration Form

Registration Timeline

 Registration opens
January 10, 2024
 Registration Closes
February 2, 2024
 Transportation Forms Distributed
February 5, 2024
 Transportation Forms Due
February 9, 2024
 Caregiver Consent Forms Due
February 16, 2024
 Galaxy Summit Event
March 2, 2024

Event Programming

Workshops

Students will participate in three workshops that fall within the Summit's themes: education and advocacy, support, and community building. Students are asked to rank their preferred workshops, and their preferences will be used to determine their agenda for the Summit, which they will receive upon arrival.

Student Panel

During workshop tracks, students will listen to a panel made up of five CPS students. In this panel, students will discuss their experiences at CPS as it relates to their various identities. Summit attendees will have the opportunity to ask panelists questions toward the end of the panel.

Resource Fair

The resource fair will allow students to learn about resources and opportunities from many of the District’s partner organizations. Partners that will be present include the Chicago Department of Public Health, Lurie Children’s Hospital, the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and Task Force Community Services.

Food

Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the Summit, as well as snacks throughout the day for students who need them. Students noted dietary restrictions or food allergies when they registered for the Summit, and these will be accommodated.
Workshops

Education and Advocacy

Explore the intersection between education, activism, and social justice in Chicago. Students will learn about standing up for what they believe in and empowering those around them to do the same. Workshops that fall under this theme include disability justice, student activism, and LGBTQ+ history.

Support

Learn about navigating both the joys and challenges associated with growing up. Students will develop strategies for prioritizing self-care and helping their peers. Workshops that fall under this theme include self-care, mental health, sharing identities, and nature and healing.

Community Building

Embrace opportunities to build relationships with other students from across the District. Students will participate in activities such as games, dancing, and art. Workshops that fall under this theme include dance and movement, arts and crafts, gaming, and anime.

Transportation to the Summit

School Buses

CPS will provide transportation using school buses that will pick up and drop off students at select CPS schools across the city. Buses will leave each location between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and are expected to arrive at the Malcolm X Conference Center between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. The buses will depart Malcolm X Conference Center around 4:00 p.m. and arrive back at their original school location between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

If a student is taking the CTA or being driven to the Summit, they are encouraged to arrive between 8:15-8:45 a.m. Malcolm X College is accessible via several transit routes:

  • CTA Blue Line, Illinois Medical District stop
  • CTA Bus #157
  • CTA Bus #126
  • CTA Bus #50

For specific information regarding bus times, train stops, and arrivals, please visit ctabustracker.com for buses and transitchicago.com/traintracker for trains. The District is providing CTA fare for students who need it.

Frequently Asked Questions