EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community is dropping one small word from its name to make a world of different for its young adults. That word? Collegiate.

The decision to remove ‘Collegiate’ from the EDGE name was not a decision made overnight, but instead was the result of ten years of operation and observations from the EDGE team, with increasing relevance and importance after the initial 2020 Covid lockdown disrupted higher education plans.   

Tara Maloney, EDGE’s Career and Social Engagement Coordinator, explains what led to this change in name. “For a long time, EDGE has been a place for everyone, no matter where they are with school. We’ve had people stay here before they apply to school while taking a break from school, and after having graduated from school.” Maloney, who joined the team in December of 2019, boiled the decision down to “Making sure our ideology reflects the young adults we serve.”  

EDGE also expressed that while the word ‘Collegiate’ is now gone, quality programming surrounding education and academic living – like the Pathways to College program – is not. Because EDGE is a highly customizable program that tailors itself to fit the specific needs of each young adult that joins, academic programming will never go away at EDGE. The program recently welcomed back Brittany Williams as their new Learning Coordinator.

When asked about what changes people could expect to see in EDGE’s programming to reflect the new name, Maloney explained, “We’ve recently implemented a career workshop and now have specific times where all the EDGE students work on their career goals. Obviously, that will look different for each person, because we work to match our young adults where they’re at. We could be working on basic resume writing, practicing interviews, applying for jobs. We also have a full career workshop where all the young adults gather together and work on career skills such as active listening, collaborating, and other transferable skills.”

While many young adults have come and gone through EDGE’s doors at 63 East Lake Street, the impact they leave on the program and the EDGE team is long-lasting. EDGE will continue to adapt to the needs of its young adults and hopes to continue to meet them wherever they are on their path to independence.

About EDGE Learning and Wellness Community

EDGE Learning and Wellness Community is an accredited transitional living program located in Chicago, IL. EDGE offers therapeutically supported residential and non-residential options for post-treatment young adults. The participants, ages 18 -24, are striving to excel academically while creating a life of balance, joy, and wellness.