Minds Matter Chicago: Jason Carter as Inaugural Executive Director

Jason joins Minds Matter Chicago as its inaugural Executive Director, bringing with him not only a wealth of experience but a heart for the city that raised him.

A proud son of Chicago’s Englewood community, Jason has spent over 15 years walking alongside students whose stories mirror his own. Students with dreams bigger than their zip codes and a belief that college is not just a destination, but a launching pad to a life of purpose and possibility. With roots firmly planted in the belief that a college education remains one of the most powerful tools for economic mobility, Jason has built a career championing young people at every stage of their educational journey.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Memorial University and a Master’s in School Counseling from Saint Xavier University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at DePaul University’s College of Education, further deepening his commitment to educational equity and systems change. Jason’s professional journey includes impactful roles across Chicago’s education landscape, such as serving as a College Transition Coordinator with the GEAR UP program at Northeastern Illinois University, Assistant Director of College Access at DePaul University, and most recently, Director of College Access at College Possible Chicago, where he led high school programming.

But Jason’s work doesn’t stop when the school day ends. He is a connector, a collaborator, and a convener of change. He serves on the Associate Board of the Big Shoulders Fund and is the Board Secretary for Springboard to Success, using these platforms to advocate for equity, innovation, and opportunity in education citywide. He’s built deep relationships across Chicago’s education ecosystem, from schools and community-based organizations to postsecondary institutions and citywide coalitions,
always centering the voices of students and families.

What truly sets Jason apart is his authenticity. He shows up as himself, with heart, humor, and humility. Whether he’s coaching a student through their college essay, facilitating a community workshop, or leading a strategy session with partners, Jason brings a grounded, joyful energy that inspires everyone around him to believe in what’s possible.

And when he’s not changing lives through education, you can probably catch him deep into a wrestling storyline with his young son. WWE, AEW, ROW, you name it. A self- proclaimed “Jerry Maguire of education,” Jason is all in for his students. He believes in them, fights for them, and never forgets where he came from.

Join us in welcoming Jason Carter to the Minds Matter Chicago family! For more information, please visit http://mindsmatterchicago.org