Big Ten Brings $50K Win to Washington Park: Edmund Burke Elementary Scores Major Renovation Grant

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · March 29, 2026

Washington Park's Edmund Burke Elementary School is getting a major boost — and it came straight from the hardwood. As part of its community investment surrounding the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center, the Big Ten Conference announced a $50,000 grant to renovate a shared space at Burke Elementary, right here in the Washington Park neighborhood.

The grant was made in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation, Brilliance and Excellence, and My Brother's Keeper Chicago — a powerful coalition putting real resources into South Side schools. And the love didn't stop at the check: Burke Elementary students were also invited to the United Center to compete in scrimmages on the tournament floor during halftime of opening-round games, giving kids a once-in-a-lifetime experience on one of Chicago's most iconic stages. The Big Ten's Senior VP for Community & Impact, Omar Brown, made clear the intent was to "leave a meaningful mark on the communities that welcome us."

It's the kind of investment that reminds Washington Park what's possible when major institutions show up for neighborhood schools. Stay connected with the Washington Park Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Park Advisory Council — which meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. — to keep tabs on the great things happening in this community.

Sources:
1. https://bigten.org/mbb/article/59592/