Hood Heroes is a Legacy Disciple program dedicated to providing summer employment and leadership development opportunities for youth aged 11 to 19 from the city's West and South Sides. Established in 2020, the initiative aims to offer constructive alternatives to gang involvement and address the challenges of poverty and crime prevalent in these communities. During 6 weeks in the summer, students can reimagine their role in society and become the heroes of their neighborhood.
Each summer, Hood Heroes employs youth in various community-focused roles, fostering personal growth and community engagement. The program has seen significant participation, with over 100 students applying in its third year. In 2024, 134 students were employed in 5 neighborhoods, with 95% gaining their first work experience. 280 blocks were cleaned throughout the summer.
In 2025 we aim to increase our impact by employing 175 students in 7 neighborhoods and cleaning 392 blocks.