The Chicago born rapper, Chancelor Bennett also known as Chance the Rapper is a famous, well known artist among the rap community. Becoming well known in 2013 after his second album Acid Rain and in May 2016, Chance released his third mixtape Coloring Book. It earned him three Grammy awards, including for Best Rap Album. But his more than just a rap artist, he is a strong advocate for education.

Chicago public schools are facing the same dilemma that that Santa Fe public schools are facing: school funding. Which is why Chance took the issue into his own hands and stated that “I’m proud to announce that I am donating $1 million to Chicago Public Schools to support arts and enrichment programming.”

The Chicago Public school is facing a financial crisis, according to the NY Times the cuts could possibly cut the school year short. Chicago’s public schools are the third largest in the nation, and responsible for 400,000 students.

Illinois Republican Governor Bruce Rauner met witch Chance to discuss this funding crisis. Chance believes that “Governor Rauner can use his executive power to give Chicago’s children the resources to fulfill their god given right to learn,” he also said “While I’m frustrated in the governor’s inaction, that will not stop me from continuing to do all I can to support Chicago’s most valuable resource: its children.”

Chance also urges others to join in fund raising efforts on a program called SocialWorks, which is an organization he helped create. Its purpose is to help empower the youth. According to the NY Times every 100,000 dollars that is raised, an additional 10,000 dollars will go to a specific school.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the Santa Fe school board unanimously approved a 102 million dollar budget for the school year that removes 1 million dollars from special education and the arts. New Mexico could really use a Chance the Rapper or someone like that. Someone who cares about the youth and their education, and advocates for a better future.