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Project FOCUS was founded in 2006 by Academy alumna Aura Brickler ’00 and her friends, who traveled to a Ugandan village and were inspired to form a partnership based on communication between young people.

The vision for a connected Uganda came closer to fruition recently when students organized and hosted a fundraiser and concert featuring prominent Chicago bands. Their common purpose was to educate, inspire, and empower local communities in southwestern Uganda and the United States.

The fundraising concert, featuring headliner Treaty of Paris, and Buckman Page, will direct proceeds to the building of an Internet café in Uganda. By sending solar-powered computers to the café, Ugandan students will be able to become globally connected. Project FOCUS participants worked with Ugandan residents to identify their need for the Internet café, allowing them a connection with the wider world, and greater access to information and resources. Each solar-powered computer costs  $1,300. The concert raised $1,800 in just one night.

Treaty of Paris is an independent pop rock band originating from the north side of the city whose members are Phil Kosch on guitar; Dan Wade, guitar and vocals; Nick Fonzi, vocals; Alex Maier, bass; Chris Insidioso, drums; and Mike Chorvat, vocals, guitar and tambourine.  Buckman Page, a Chicago-based folk/indie rock band features Matt Cefula, guitar and vocals; Marcus Lohrmann, guitar, vocal, harmonica and percussion; Dan Trubey, bass guitar and percussion; John Williamson, drums and vocals; and Al Neve, lead guitar and vocals. The night was rounded out with performances by Morgan Park Academy student groups including Strawberry Alarm Clock, featuring sophomore Jared Bell and junior Alex Coston.