Program Overview
A leadership development and community engagement cohort for select first, second and third-year Northwestern students that runs the duration of the school year. Named after a prominent family of Chicago activists, the program pairs weekly local public service with mentoring and structured reflection.
Program Format
- Fall Quarter: Cohort selection and weekly cohort meetings.
- Winter & Spring Quarters: Weekly in person service in Rogers Park, Chicago at a K-8th Chicago Public School or local non-profit plus regular cohort meetings.
Program Application
DeBerry Scholars are:
- Willing to be an active learners and committed cohort members
- Energized to explore how to be a social change agent
- Prepared to give weekly time for community-engaged learning and service
Application Process & Timeline
Applications for DeBerry 26-27 will open in September 2026.
Ms. Ebony DeBerry:
Ebony DeBerry (she/her), an elected member of the Chicago School Board and the Manager of Educational Initiatives with One Northside, a community organizing non-profit, running the Women of Color Table and overseeing the Parent Mentor program at ONE Northside, an organization that builds collective power through bold and innovative community organizing. She has lived in Rogers Park her whole life, attending Chicago Public Schools as a student at Gale Elementary and Sullivan High School, and later deciding to teach in the district.
Mr. Caleb DeBerry:
Caleb DeBerry (he/him) was born and raised in the Rogers Park area. Educated by the Chicago Public Schools system through attending Gale Elementary, Disney Magnet, and Northside Prep, he is currently a student at Howard University, majoring in political science and minoring in sociology. His civic engagement started when he attended organizing meetings alongside his mother.
Questions? val.buchanan@northwestern.edu