Page 115 - 2018 B2SI Recap Binder

organization so they can put the kits together themselves.
The impact of Back 2 School is Illinois is more quantifiable and visible than for many other charities or organizations.
Back 2 School Illinois has provided over 4.7 million school supplies to Chicago students since it’s founding in 2010.
(Courtesy of Back 2 School Illinois)
However for Kurtzman, there’s a lot of work still to be done.
“You would think I would be elated on how much we’re doing and how much positive impact we’re having. At the same time, the deeper you get into this the more need you see.”
The basics of education are crucial, but the issue in Chicago and elsewhere in the U.S. is bigger than that.
“As a society, everything ties back to education. The bad choices we make as a society are because of lack of education,” Kurtzman explained. “And when I say education I mean in its broadest sense. I don’t just mean reading, writing, and arithmetic.”
Education is critical for being able to form a society that can engage in productive discourse Kurtzman explained.
Without a broad education, people aren’t able to understand other points of view, and aren’t open- minded to alternative ideas.
“People look for reinforcement of their existing mindset,” Kurtzman said.