Jeffery Beckham
2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Scholars
Chicago, Illinois
Jeffery “Jeff” Beckham is the chief executive officer of Chicago Scholars and co-chief executive officer of Reach Pathways. He has created AI-enabled platforms and professional development programming for over 6,000 first-generation and low-income high school students to access higher education and economic mobility. He created the Chicago Scholars’ Emerge Summer Career and Leadership Program, which partners with local schools, community organizations, and local government to increase career readiness among youth through professional development. He also serves on the boards of directors for 100 Black Men of Chicago, the Arose Foundation, and Building Better Futures.
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