CME Group Foundation helps today’s students keep pace with dramatically evolving technology, creating a workforce for the future that is equipped with the skills to meet tomorrow’s global challenges. By bringing together the brightest minds in education to generate fresh approaches to math, computer science and personalized learning, we are sparking system-wide change that benefits all students, from cradle to career.
They will shape the future of the world’s most important industries, including our own, so we give them the tools they need to achieve their full potential.
Our Goals
As part of our work at CME Group Foundation, we strive to achieve the following goals:
- Empower innovative partners
- Create change through collaboration
- Work to transform systems
Kindergarten Readiness
CME Group Foundation seeks to improve kindergarten readiness by increasing the KIDS assessment scores for Black, Latinx and low-income children in Illinois. After investing $11.7 million in early math education over the past eleven years, the Foundation Board decided to expand our early childhood education focus to include all three domains measured by the KIDS assessment.
Unfortunately, many children don’t get the help they need to build a strong foundation for learning, as indicated by the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) administered annually by teachers across the state. In the fall of 2019, only 35 percent of our state’s white kindergarteners were deemed to be starting kindergarten ready in all three areas observed: early math, language and literacy, and social emotional development. Yet that was still 12 points higher than the figure for Black children and 18 points higher than that of Latinx youngsters.
We believe that all young children should have access to vibrant, playful and supportive educational experiences that affirm who they are and prepare them to thrive as they continue their education. While Illinois has made substantial gains over the past several years in universal Pre-K, the KIDS assessment scores still need improvement so that all young children are kindergarten ready in all three domains.
Early Math Education Initiative
The Foundation’s Early Math Initiative (2009-2020) was designed to provide educators with the knowledge, confidence and tools to teach and inspire children from infancy through elementary school about the world of mathematics. Over a decade, Early Math Education Initiative funding totaled $11.3 million. The initiative bolstered professional development for teachers of young children, improved family engagement in the learning of young children and influenced early childhood mathematics policies. For more about the initiative, see the 2019-20 report below.
A Decade in the Making: Early Math Education Initiative Seeks Broad Impact
K-12 Education Program
The Foundation helps prepare K-12 students for success in college and careers by using technology to personalize learning and assist with computer science education.
CME Group Foundation is the largest private funder of Chicago Public Schools’ Computer Science 4 All (CS4All) initiative. The Foundation is pleased to support several other organizations providing research and data analysis for CS4All and out of school time computer science programs.
In addition to K-12 computer science education, the Foundation supports professional development for school leaders and teachers on improving student outcomes by using technology to personalize learning.
Finally, CME Group Foundation is working with Chicago Public Schools and other organizations to improve K-12 financial education ‒ in order to equip students and families with the knowledge, skills, habits and tools that promote their long-term financial health.
Computer Science for All (CS4All)
The Fund
Data sources: Arabella Advisors compiled this dashboard using data provided by the CME Group Foundation’s 18 computer science grantees in August 2021. All data is from the 2020‒2021 school year. For questions, contact alexandra.bass@arabellaadvisors.com
College and Career Success Program
In 2019, CME Group Foundation launched its Foundation Scholars Program. Twenty-five students received a scholarship of up to $20,000, renewable for three years. Now adding 15 new students a year, the program is open to low-income, underrepresented Black and Latinx students majoring in finance, computer science, information technology, math, cyber security, data science, statistics or financial engineering. For university partners with 4+1 programs (bachelor’s degree in a technical field and a one-year master’s in finance), students can apply for three years of support in junior, senior and master’s years.
CME Group Foundation’s 2021-22 partner schools are:
- DePaul University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Loyola University Chicago
- National Louis University
- Northern Illinois University
- Saint Xavier University
- Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- University of Illinois-Chicago
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
In addition to the scholarship program, the Foundation provides operating support grants to a number of nonprofit organizations that work with Chicago’s low-income and minority students to insure post-secondary degree or certification attainment and transition to a strong first job in the field in which they majored, plus research and policy organizations serving that goal. The select organizations have a track record of success in providing research that is needed and utilized by the field and/or successful policy work that has advanced priorities of the post-secondary and career success fields.
Meet the New CME Group Foundation Scholars
In 2019, the CME Group Foundation established a scholarship program for underrepresented minority college students studying finance or technology. The CME Group Foundation Scholars Program is unique in that the scholarships are earmarked for sophomores, juniors and seniors to ensure that they can finish their four-year degrees.
The CME Group Foundation recently hosted a two-part lunch and learn session for the 15 new additions to the 2021 – 2022 CME Group Foundation Scholars program. Prior to day 1’s event, students were asked to prepare elevator speeches where they stated their interests, what they’re studying and their hopes for the future. Each student thanked the CME Group Foundation for the support they have received, and some expounded on what the experience will enable them to accomplish. Sergio Palomino, a rising Senior at the University of Illinois, explained that the scholarship will “enable me to focus 100% on school. During my Freshman year, I faced many financial hardships and had to take a break from my studies. This scholarship will allow me to focus all of my energy on my courses.” The intros were followed by an overview session on CME Group and its role in risk management hosted by Curt Zuckert from Global Account Management, as well as a Q&A session about CME Group.
The Day 2 event featured a diverse panel of employees who discussed their career journeys and role responsibilities. This was followed by a presentation by both our Recruiting and Technology teams on applying for internships (both summer and year-round) and entry level positions. Current CME Group Foundation Scholar and Human Resources Intern Zion Powell offered a unique perspective to the new scholars. Zion, a rising Senior at Saint Xavier University, spoke about what the program has meant to him, as well as the opportunities it has afforded him. His advice to this new batch of scholars? “Keep making connections” he says. “The more people you have in your corner, the better!”
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Jada Aduda will be a senior at Loyola University Chicago double majoring in Finance and Information Systems. She grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN and graduated from Osseo Senior High. Jada’s interests include traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family. Her career goal is to become an investment banker and create a non-profit organization.
Krystal Aranda is a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Her interests include running her small business, 606 Stitches, sewing, and dancing. Her career goal is to uplift underprivileged communities through corporate investing.
Anthony Bañuelos is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer and Cyber Security Engineering. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lincoln Park High School. His interests include eSports, baseball, and spikeball. His career goal is to work within Cyber Defense Operations.
Alberto Briones is a senior at Northern Illinois University majoring in Operations and Information Management. He grew up in San Marcos, TX and graduated from San Marcos High School. His interests include reading, gaming, learning languages, and volunteering. His career goal is to work as a professional operations manager.
Alice Callejas is a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance. She grew up in Waukegan, Illinois, and graduated from Fenton High School. Her interests include painting, reading, and traveling. Her career goal is to work as a financial advisor in the banking industry and to make a difference in the Hispanic community.
Francisco Chavez is a junior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Joliet, Illinois and graduated from Joliet Central High School. His interests include fishing, learning trivia, and researching machine learning innovations. His career goal is to develop and deepen the understanding of artificial intelligence.
Beemnet Desta is a junior at DePaul University majoring in Data Science. She grew up in Ethiopia and graduated from School of Tomorrow. Her interests include traveling, music, watching shows and volunteer work. Her career goal is to become a data analyst.
Isaac Diop is a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Finance and Financial Planning. He was born in Chicago but grew up in Rome, Italy, and graduated from Evanston Township High School. His interests include traveling the world and exploring financial markets. His career goal is to open his own investment firm and provide financial literacy education.
Katrina Eggleston is a senior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Quantitative Finance. She grew up in Eatontown, New Jersey, and graduated from Communications High School. Her interests include music, graphic design, and fashion. Her career goal is to be CFO of a major company she loves.
Sanaa Hill is a junior at Loyola University Chicago in fall 2021 majoring in Business Finance and Marketing. She grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, and graduated from Walden III High School. Her interests include performing as a member of the Loyola Afrodescent dance team, active member of Loyola's Black Cultural Center, and mentee of the Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES) program. Her career goal is to create a more inclusive business market.
Anthony Huerta is a junior at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Chicago before graduating from Riverside Brookfield High School. His interests include finance, programming, and learning about new technologies in development. His career goal is to work as a Software Engineer in the fintech industry.
Daniel Larios is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance with a minor in economics. He grew up in Oswego, Illinois and graduated from Oswego High School. His interests include investing, financial markets, soccer, and chess. His career goal is to eventually attain an MBA and work in corporate finance or in wealth management.
Armani LeSure is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Information Technology and Management. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lindblom MSA. His interests include music, games, movies and cooking. His career goal is to eventually gain enough experience so that he may become a successful IT manager.
Hugo Lopez will be a senior at University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance with a minor in entrepreneurship. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School. His interests include working on cars, working out, and advising/helping people/business. His career goal is to help companies build successful businesses through proper financial management.
Tina Lopez is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Disney II Magnet High School. Her interests include entrepreneurship, leadership, and spirituality. Her career goal is to bring more wealth to BIPOC individuals through entrepreneurship, finance, and business.
Jason Malonga is a senior at DePaul University majoring in Finance. He grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois and graduated from Benet Academy. His interests include playing basketball, spending time with family, and video games. His career goal is to start a non-profit that focuses on furthering the education of kids in Africa, while also pursuing the goal of becoming a portfolio manager at a hedge fund.
Paige Morton will be a senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Mathematics. Paige grew
Fanny Munoz is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Westinghouse College Preparatory. Her interests include working out and biking. Her career goal is to work within an investment bank.
Ariel Nudman will be a junior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Accounting and Finance. He lives in Chicago and graduated from Ida Crown Jewish Academy High School. His interests include running, reading, water sports, and traveling. His career goals as of now are to continue learning about the financial industry, to better understand all it has to offer.
Jessica Oliveros will be a senior at DePaul University, majoring in Computer Science. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Downers Grove North High School. Her interests include making music and programming. Her career goal is to become a software engineer.
Julian Pacheco is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance and IDS. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Jones College Prep. His interests include competing in tennis and baseball, and biking near lake Michigan. His career goal is to work in the financial services industry and make a lasting impact on those he meets.
Sergio Palomino is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Curie Metropolitan High School. His interests include hiking and swimming. His career goal is to become an investment banker.
Zion Powell is a senior at Saint Xavier University, majoring in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. He grew up in Harvey, Illinois, and graduated from Thornton Township High School. His interests include computers and technology. His career goal is to secure a full-time job at CME Group.
Aiah Radwan is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in Finance. She grew up in Urbana, Illinois and graduated from Urbana High School. Her interests include soccer, ping pong and cooking. Her career goal is to become a financial consultant and create a not-for-profit that helps educate financial literacy.
Hernan Razo will be a 5th year co-terminal degree student at the Illinois Institute of Technology working on his bachelors and masters degree in computer science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from the Chicago Math and Science Academy. His interests include biking and reading. His career goals are to work in artificial intelligence and data science.
Noelle Robinson will be a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, double majoring in Finance and Information Decision Sciences. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Mizzou Academy High School. Her interests include browsing the wealth of knowledge online, tutoring her peers, and teaching personal finance to young adults. Her career goal is to use data in a meaningful way.
Thomas Rueben Rocha is a senior at University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance. He grew up in Romeoville, IL and graduated from Romeoville High School. His interests include running, working out and reading. His career goal is to become a personal financial analyst and planner.
Carlos Rodríguez is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Westinghouse College Prep. His interests include civic tech and engagement. His career goal is Product Management.
Gladys Toledo-Rodriguez is a 4th year at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech College Prep. Her interests include cooking, teaching, and learning new things from languages to software. Her career goal is to become a software engineer.
Jordan Torres is a senior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Finance, with a minor in Quantitative Finance. She grew up in Jackson, New Jersey and graduated from Jackson Liberty High School. Her interests include performing with her band Phoneboy, hiking, and gardening. Her career goal is to work as a financial analyst or advisor in the music/entertainment industry, and eventually open a music school.
Vivianna Torres is a junior at the University of Illinois-Chicago majoring in Finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech College Prep High School. Her interests include photography and working to expand her knowledge about the financial services industry. Her career goal is to work in either commercial banking or an area related to investments.
Lorenzo Trentini is a senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Computer Engineering. He grew up in Porto Alegre, Brazil and graduated from Temecula Valley High School. His interests include soccer, guitar, golf, and building a sustainable future for smart power grids. His career goal is to design electrical components and upgrade the power grid so power outages can become a thing of the past.
Jovad Uribe is a junior at University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Data Science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School. His interests include paintball, reading, and coding. His career goal is to work as a quantitative trader.
Marco Aurelio Useche is a senior at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Supply Chain Management. He grew up in Orlando, FL and graduated from Freedom High School. His interests are politics, law, financial markets, agricultural trading and the sports industry. His career goal is obtaining an MBA/JD degree, and to be CEO of a large food/beverage industry or president of operations for a Major League Baseball organization.
Benny Vazquez-Elvir is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech College Prep. His interests include gaming, coding, and reading books. His career goal is to become an entrepreneur and help people around the globe.
Daniel Velarde is a senior at Loyola University Chicago studying Finance with minors in Information Systems and Spanish. He grew up in Carterville, Illinois and graduated from Carterville High School. His interests include investing, books, and travel. His career goal is to work in the commodity market or corporate finance and eventually become a professor teaching finance.
Jada Aduda will be a senior at Loyola University Chicago double majoring in Finance and Information Systems. She grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN and graduated from Osseo Senior High. Jada’s interests include traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family. Her career goal is to become an investment banker and create a non-profit organization.
Krystal Aranda is a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Her interests include running her small business, 606 Stitches, sewing, and dancing. Her career goal is to uplift underprivileged communities through corporate investing.
Anthony Bañuelos is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer and Cyber Security Engineering. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lincoln Park High School. His interests include eSports, baseball, and spikeball. His career goal is to work within Cyber Defense Operations.
Alberto Briones is a senior at Northern Illinois University majoring in Operations and Information Management. He grew up in San Marcos, TX and graduated from San Marcos High School. His interests include reading, gaming, learning languages, and volunteering. His career goal is to work as a professional operations manager.
Alice Callejas is a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance. She grew up in Waukegan, Illinois, and graduated from Fenton High School. Her interests include painting, reading, and traveling. Her career goal is to work as a financial advisor in the banking industry and to make a difference in the Hispanic community.
Francisco Chavez is a junior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Joliet, Illinois and graduated from Joliet Central High School. His interests include fishing, learning trivia, and researching machine learning innovations. His career goal is to develop and deepen the understanding of artificial intelligence.
Beemnet Desta is a junior at DePaul University majoring in Data Science. She grew up in Ethiopia and graduated from School of Tomorrow. Her interests include traveling, music, watching shows and volunteer work. Her career goal is to become a data analyst.
Isaac Diop is a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Finance and Financial Planning. He was born in Chicago but grew up in Rome, Italy, and graduated from Evanston Township High School. His interests include traveling the world and exploring financial markets. His career goal is to open his own investment firm and provide financial literacy education.
Katrina Eggleston is a senior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Quantitative Finance. She grew up in Eatontown, New Jersey, and graduated from Communications High School. Her interests include music, graphic design, and fashion. Her career goal is to be CFO of a major company she loves.
Sanaa Hill is a junior at Loyola University Chicago in fall 2021 majoring in Business Finance and Marketing. She grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, and graduated from Walden III High School. Her interests include performing as a member of the Loyola Afrodescent dance team, active member of Loyola's Black Cultural Center, and mentee of the Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES) program. Her career goal is to create a more inclusive business market.
Anthony Huerta is a junior at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Chicago before graduating from Riverside Brookfield High School. His interests include finance, programming, and learning about new technologies in development. His career goal is to work as a Software Engineer in the fintech industry.
Daniel Larios is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance with a minor in economics. He grew up in Oswego, Illinois and graduated from Oswego High School. His interests include investing, financial markets, soccer, and chess. His career goal is to eventually attain an MBA and work in corporate finance or in wealth management.
Armani LeSure is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Information Technology and Management. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lindblom MSA. His interests include music, games, movies and cooking. His career goal is to eventually gain enough experience so that he may become a successful IT manager.
Hugo Lopez will be a senior at University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance with a minor in entrepreneurship. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School. His interests include working on cars, working out, and advising/helping people/business. His career goal is to help companies build successful businesses through proper financial management.
Tina Lopez is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Disney II Magnet High School. Her interests include entrepreneurship, leadership, and spirituality. Her career goal is to bring more wealth to BIPOC individuals through entrepreneurship, finance, and business.
Jason Malonga is a senior at DePaul University majoring in Finance. He grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois and graduated from Benet Academy. His interests include playing basketball, spending time with family, and video games. His career goal is to start a non-profit that focuses on furthering the education of kids in Africa, while also pursuing the goal of becoming a portfolio manager at a hedge fund.
Paige Morton will be a senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Mathematics. Paige grew
Fanny Munoz is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Westinghouse College Preparatory. Her interests include working out and biking. Her career goal is to work within an investment bank.
Ariel Nudman will be a junior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Accounting and Finance. He lives in Chicago and graduated from Ida Crown Jewish Academy High School. His interests include running, reading, water sports, and traveling. His career goals as of now are to continue learning about the financial industry, to better understand all it has to offer.
Jessica Oliveros will be a senior at DePaul University, majoring in Computer Science. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Downers Grove North High School. Her interests include making music and programming. Her career goal is to become a software engineer.
Julian Pacheco is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance and IDS. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Jones College Prep. His interests include competing in tennis and baseball, and biking near lake Michigan. His career goal is to work in the financial services industry and make a lasting impact on those he meets.
Sergio Palomino is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in finance. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Curie Metropolitan High School. His interests include hiking and swimming. His career goal is to become an investment banker.
Zion Powell is a senior at Saint Xavier University, majoring in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. He grew up in Harvey, Illinois, and graduated from Thornton Township High School. His interests include computers and technology. His career goal is to secure a full-time job at CME Group.
Aiah Radwan is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in Finance. She grew up in Urbana, Illinois and graduated from Urbana High School. Her interests include soccer, ping pong and cooking. Her career goal is to become a financial consultant and create a not-for-profit that helps educate financial literacy.
Hernan Razo will be a 5th year co-terminal degree student at the Illinois Institute of Technology working on his bachelors and masters degree in computer science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from the Chicago Math and Science Academy. His interests include biking and reading. His career goals are to work in artificial intelligence and data science.
Noelle Robinson will be a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, double majoring in Finance and Information Decision Sciences. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Mizzou Academy High School. Her interests include browsing the wealth of knowledge online, tutoring her peers, and teaching personal finance to young adults. Her career goal is to use data in a meaningful way.
Thomas Rueben Rocha is a senior at University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Finance. He grew up in Romeoville, IL and graduated from Romeoville High School. His interests include running, working out and reading. His career goal is to become a personal financial analyst and planner.
Carlos Rodríguez is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Westinghouse College Prep. His interests include civic tech and engagement. His career goal is Product Management.
Gladys Toledo-Rodriguez is a 4th year at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech College Prep. Her interests include cooking, teaching, and learning new things from languages to software. Her career goal is to become a software engineer.
Jordan Torres is a senior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Finance, with a minor in Quantitative Finance. She grew up in Jackson, New Jersey and graduated from Jackson Liberty High School. Her interests include performing with her band Phoneboy, hiking, and gardening. Her career goal is to work as a financial analyst or advisor in the music/entertainment industry, and eventually open a music school.
Vivianna Torres is a junior at the University of Illinois-Chicago majoring in Finance. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech College Prep High School. Her interests include photography and working to expand her knowledge about the financial services industry. Her career goal is to work in either commercial banking or an area related to investments.
Lorenzo Trentini is a senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Computer Engineering. He grew up in Porto Alegre, Brazil and graduated from Temecula Valley High School. His interests include soccer, guitar, golf, and building a sustainable future for smart power grids. His career goal is to design electrical components and upgrade the power grid so power outages can become a thing of the past.
Jovad Uribe is a junior at University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Data Science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School. His interests include paintball, reading, and coding. His career goal is to work as a quantitative trader.
Marco Aurelio Useche is a senior at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Supply Chain Management. He grew up in Orlando, FL and graduated from Freedom High School. His interests are politics, law, financial markets, agricultural trading and the sports industry. His career goal is obtaining an MBA/JD degree, and to be CEO of a large food/beverage industry or president of operations for a Major League Baseball organization.
Benny Vazquez-Elvir is a senior at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech College Prep. His interests include gaming, coding, and reading books. His career goal is to become an entrepreneur and help people around the globe.
Daniel Velarde is a senior at Loyola University Chicago studying Finance with minors in Information Systems and Spanish. He grew up in Carterville, Illinois and graduated from Carterville High School. His interests include investing, books, and travel. His career goal is to work in the commodity market or corporate finance and eventually become a professor teaching finance.
