THE LIFELINE FOR STUDENTS & SCHOOLS

Congratulations are in order for West40 Director of Community Relations Maria-Elena Agrela, who is the recipient of Cook County's 2026 Community Connector Award in recognition of her dedication and leadership towards digital equity in the county. Agrela received the award at Cook County's annual digital equity learning symposium, Access Amplified, on Wednesday at the Malcolm X College Conference Center. Access to technology and other digital tools is essential in today's worl

West40 has released its 2026 Annual Report, which highlights our programs, services, events, and partnerships that supported students, educators, schools, and communities throughout the 2025–26 school year. Please feel free to click on the photo for a direct link to the report. The 2026 Annual Report offers a look at how West40 serves the West Cook County region and beyond through student advocacy, professional learning, comprehensive educational services and much more. Every

Final preparations are underway for the 2026 Illinois School Safety Conference, which will be held October 7 at its new location at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Hundreds of attendees have registered for the conference, which brings together school personnel, law enforcement and public safety professionals to learn from experts in school safety and crisis prevention. West40 hosts the annual conference along with our partners from across the state. The