About KCC Academy Chicago's South Side Nonprofit

KCC Academy is a certified 501c3 nonprofit Chicago South Side organization built to create real opportunity for residents who need it most. We believe that every person regardless of background deserves access to education, skills, and a path forward.

Our Story Built From the South Side Up

KCC Academy was founded by Davona Hawkins, nonprofit Chicago leader, mother, and lifelong South Side resident. Growing up without mentors or meaningful opportunities, Davona made a promise to herself that when she achieved success, she would come back and build something real for her community.

That promise became KCC Academy, a grassroots nonprofit Chicago organization that now delivers violence prevention, trade training, workforce development, and youth leadership programs to hundreds of South Side residents every year.

“I’m a mother of three Black boys. Growing up, I didn’t have much influence or anyone to mentor or guide me. I promised myself that when I achieved success, I would create programs to help mentor and support youth, women, and residents

 

Davona Hawkins, Founder & President | KCC Academy of Chicago

Frame 1005

Who We Are A Community Nonprofit Chicago Trusts

KCC Academy is a community nonprofit South Side Chicago serving youth, adults, single mothers, and justice-impacted individuals. Our programs are free, evidence-based, and rooted in lived experience because the people who built them come from the same neighborhoods they serve.


As an IDHS grant funded nonprofit Chicago, we are backed by the State of Illinois and held to the highest standards of program delivery and community accountability.

wmremove transformed

What We Do Four Core Programs

As a leading violence prevention nonprofit Chicago, KCC Academy delivers four core programs that address the root causes of poverty and violence on Chicago’s South Side.

Frame 1006

Violence Prevention & Street Outreach community violence intervention and peacekeeping
Frame 1007

Trade & Employment Training skilled trades and job placement
Frame 1008

Youth Development KCC Young Leaders program for ages 11 to 21
Frame 1010

Workforce Development resume help, career training, and job placement support

What We Stand For

  • Community first we meet residents where they are
  • Radical accessibility all programs are completely free
  • Accountability IDHS grant funded and community accountable
  • Lived experience our team comes from the South Side
  • Real outcomes jobs, safety, and leadership that last

Join KCC Academy Apply, Partner, or Donate

Whether you are a South Side resident looking for support, a business that wants to partner, or someone who believes in our mission KCC Academy Chicago nonprofit has a place for you. Come as you are. Leave with more than you came with.