Who we are.
Summer Up! is a transformative summer program that empowers high school students by connecting them with meaningful summer experiences which prepare them for success in school, college, and their future careers.
“High-quality summer learning plays an important role in the lives of our nation’s young people. Summer learning programs can bolster academic knowledge and skills and connect young people to engaging and enriching learning experiences.”
How we’ve grown.
Since its inception, Summer Up! has expanded year after year, from serving a handful of students to engaging more than 750 participants.
Summer Up! eliminates cost barriers, covering expenses for programming and transportation, ensuring that every qualified student can access meaningful opportunities, including college visits, camping adventures, and paid internships.
Summer Up! is designed to make every summer count by providing enriching experiences while still allowing plenty of time for downtime and fun!
“Summer Up! has been a game-changer for North Chicago students, and its expansion will bring those same opportunities to even more communities... a testament to the program’s success and its dedication to breaking down barriers for students.”
Summer Up! is a registered 501(c)(3) organization committed to helping students grow, explore and get ahead, with a 96% recommendation from its participants.
Leadership
Mrs. KeOne Carter
Executive Director and Founder of Summer Up!
Mrs. KeOne (KEY-OWN) Carter, Executive Director of Summer Up!, is a passionate advocate for education, youth development, and community empowerment. Inspired by her parents, who were both educators, she has dedicated her life to helping individuals unlock their full potential and create meaningful opportunities for themselves and their communities. Her passion for teaching emerged early—at just six years old, she created an imaginary classroom, and by 16, she was supervising youth in Chicago’s inner city, guiding them in producing public service announcements.
A proud HBCU graduate of Savannah State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a strong background in Theater, she later earned a Master of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. With extensive experience teaching on Chicago’s West and South sides and working in higher education, she launched what was originally called Warhawk Summer Up in 2017. Today, Summer Up! serves nearly 200 students annually, providing transformative opportunities in college readiness, learning, and career development.
Lluviana Arizmendi
Summer Up! Coordinator
Lluviana (YOU-VEE-AH-NAH) Arizmendi is a dedicated professional with a strong background in career navigation, operations, and human resources. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Concordia University Chicago and has a certification in College and Career Advising.
With extensive experience in mentoring, coaching, and fostering partnerships, Lluviana has successfully supported students and interns in career exploration and professional development. Her roles at North Chicago School District 187 and Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep highlight her ability to manage complex programs and build meaningful relationships with diverse communities. Fluent in English and Spanish, Lluviana brings exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills to the Summer Up! team.