In Chicago, Shooting For Peace continues to expand its impact through its Future Pros program — delivering real-world education, mentorship, and opportunity to youth.
At the Gary Comer Youth Center, students participated in a full-day activation that combined AI education, financial literacy, and leadership development.
This wasn’t just another event. It was a hands-on experience designed to prepare students for the future — today.
AI Workshop Led by The Tech Queen, Duana Malone
The day began with a high-impact technology session led by Duana Malone, “The Tech Queen”.
Students were introduced to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) — not just as a concept, but as a practical tool they could use immediately.
During the workshop, students:
- Learned the fundamentals of AI
- Explored how technology can support business ideas
- Built websites around their own business concepts
- Gained exposure to real-world tech applications
This wasn’t theory — it was execution.
Students walked away with skills that connect directly to future careers and income opportunities.
Financial Literacy Session with JP Morgan Chase
Following the tech session, students participated in a financial literacy talk led by Jared Evans, a Community Manager with JP Morgan Chase.
The session focused on:
- Understanding money and financial systems
- Building smart financial habits early
- Long-term thinking and decision-making
- Positioning yourself for financial independence
The message was simple but powerful:
Knowledge of money is just as important as talent.
Leadership and Mentorship from Proven Voices
The event also featured impactful conversations and mentorship from leaders who have operated at the highest levels.
Students heard directly from:
- Jerome “JYD” Williams – Former NBA player and community leader
(Learn more) - Alexis Holmes – Former White House Initiative Leader
These conversations connected the dots between:
- Sports and life discipline
- Leadership and accountability
- Opportunity and preparation
Students weren’t just listening — they were engaged.
And it showed.
Organized by Johnnie Williams III – CHAMPs Mentor Leadership
This Future Pros Chicago event was organized by Johnnie Williams III, Director with Shooting For Peace and a CHAMPs mentor.
His leadership ensured the event delivered:
- Structure
- Energy
- Relevance
- Real value for students
This is what strong program execution looks like.
Why This Future Pros Event Matters
The Future Pros model is built around one core idea:
Expose students to real opportunities early.
This Chicago activation combined:
- AI education
- Business thinking
- Financial literacy
- Mentorship from proven leaders
All in one environment.
The result?
Students were engaged, energized, and excited about what’s possible.
You could see it in their reactions.
You could feel it in the room.
Competitive Stations, Games, and Real Engagement on the Court
Beyond the workshops and mentorship, the energy on the court was just as impactful.
Students rotated through multiple interactive basketball stations designed to keep them engaged, competitive, and learning at the same time.
Activities included:
- Creative challenge stations where youth drew ideas, concepts, and plays on the board
- Competitive skill drills focused on speed, execution, and teamwork
- High-energy games like knockout, where students competed head-to-head
- Live feedback and coaching from mentors and leaders
This wasn’t just participation — it was active engagement.
Students were competing, thinking, and collaborating in real time.
To reward performance and effort, participants had opportunities to earn:
- Shooting For Peace shirts
- Prizes and giveaways
- Recognition for effort and execution
The combination of competition, creativity, and reward created an environment where students stayed fully locked in from start to finish.
This is what makes the Future Pros experience different — it blends education, competition, and engagement into one unified system.
Access Free Resources from Shooting For Peace
The event doesn’t stop when the day ends.
Students were given access to free resources to continue building their skills and momentum.
Through the Shooting For Peace platform, students can:
- Get certified in AI
- Access financial literacy courses
- Learn health and wellness principles
- Explore workforce and career pathways
- Receive Jerome Williams’ free book
Start here:
The Bigger Picture: Building the Next Generation
Shooting For Peace isn’t just running events.
It’s building a system.
A system that connects youth to:
- Skills
- Mentorship
- Opportunities
- Real-world exposure
The Future Pros Chicago event at Gary Comer Youth Center is another example of what happens when the right people, the right message, and the right structure come together.
And this is just the beginning.