Bringing Hope to the Underserved through Christ-Centered Education: Steve Blom, Executive Director of Bright Promise in Chicago, IL

Steve Blom has served as the Executive Director of Bright Promise in Chicago since July 2019. Bright Promise is committed to Christ-centered education that counters fear and isolation, fostering hospitality and humility. Steve has over two decades in church and nonprofit leadership. In the past decade, he focused on expanding Christian education access for historically excluded families due to socio-economic, religious, or financial reasons. 

Bright Promise, founded in 1989 by community leaders, connects 14 Christian schools across Chicagoland, serving over 2,800 students in underserved communities. Steve also served as Chairman of the Board for Unity Christian Academy (2014-2019) and now sits on the Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools board, advocating for families statewide. Believing all children should discover their identity as beloved image bearers and contributors in God’s story, Steve emphasizes making Christian education accessible to those traditionally excluded. 

Steve holds a BA in Theology from Dordt University and an MA in Missions from Calvin Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Sally, live in South Holland with their three children, all shaped by Bright Promise schools.