Divine Nine Challenge 2026

Chicago State University (CSU) serves a mission-driven, predominantly first-generation student population, many of whom are disproportionately impacted by housing, food, transportation, and other basic needs insecurity. As Chicago’s only four-year Predominantly Black Institution, CSU is deeply committed to providing the wraparound supports students need to persist and graduate. Seventy-eight percent of students identify as African American or Latinx, 77% of students are eligible for Pell Grants, and 73% of faculty identify as ethnic minorities. Currently, 23% of undergraduates have at least one dependent and 59% are first-generation college students.

Many CSU students face significant basic needs challenges that put their academic progress, and sometimes their future, at risk. Housing insecurity, food scarcity, transportation barriers, childcare needs, and access to technology all shape a student’s ability to persist, focus, and graduate.

The Food Pantry Fund Removes Barriers

Every student deserves the opportunity to focus on earning a degree, not worrying about where they’ll sleep, how they’ll get to class, or whether they’ll have enough food to eat.

Gifts to the Food Pantry Fund provide emergency assistance and wraparound support for students facing unexpected hardships. Whether it’s emergency housing assistance, transportation, food insecurity, childcare support, technology needs, or other basic necessities, these resources help students stay enrolled and continue progressing toward graduation.

When basic needs are met, students are able to remain focused on what matters most: earning their degree and building a brighter future.

Why the Divine Nine Challenge?

Service has always been at the heart of the Divine Nine. This challenge is an opportunity for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Chicago State University to come together in friendly competition while making a lasting impact on CSU students.

Every gift—regardless of size—helps remove barriers, strengthen student success, and demonstrate the collective power of the Divine Nine community.

So join us August 1st through August 31st and show your Cougar Pride and give today!