Career and
Workforce Development
Career and workforce development at the Youth Innovation Center is all about empowering young people from underserved communities with the tools they need to succeed. We provide hands-on training, career exploration, job readiness workshops, and real-world work experiences that prepare youth ages 14–24 for long-term success. Through mentorship, skill-building, and connections to internships, trades, and higher education, we help youth discover their strengths, build confidence, and chart meaningful career paths. Our goal is to open doors, break barriers, and ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive in the workforce and beyond.
Education and Academic Support
Education and academic support at the Youth Innovation Center is designed to help youth reach their full potential by providing the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed in school and beyond. We offer homework help, study skill workshops, and academic coaching to support students from middle school through early adulthood. Our programs focus on building strong educational foundations, increasing graduation rates, and connecting youth to higher education and vocational opportunities. By creating a positive learning environment and offering personalized support, we help students overcome obstacles, stay on track, and build a brighter future through education.
Civic Engagement and Leadership
Civic engagement and leadership programming at the Youth Innovation Center empowers young people to become active, informed, and responsible members of their communities. Through workshops, service-learning projects, youth councils, and leadership development training, we help youth understand social issues, use their voices to advocate for change, and take on meaningful roles in shaping their environments. By fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking skills, our programs cultivate the next generation of community leaders who are passionate about justice, equity, and civic responsibility.
Life Skills and Personal Development
Life Skills and Personal Development are core to our mission of preparing youth for success in all areas of life. Our programs focus on building confidence, emotional intelligence, financial literacy, decision-making, communication, and goal-setting skills. Through interactive workshops, mentoring, and real-world experiences, we help youth develop a strong sense of self, manage everyday challenges, and make healthy, informed choices. By investing in personal growth, we empower young people to thrive both personally and professionally.
Mentor and Relationship Building
Mentorship and relationship building are essential pillars of youth development. Our programs connect young people with caring, committed mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and support as they navigate school, work, and life challenges. We also foster peer-to-peer connections and help youth develop healthy, respectful relationships with others. By cultivating trust, accountability, and communication skills, we create a strong support system that helps youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Family and Community Engagement
Family and community engagement are central to our approach in supporting youth development. We believe that strong families and connected communities create the foundation for young people to thrive. Our youth department hosts monthly family engagement activities and workshops designed to strengthen family bonds, provide resources, and encourage open communication. These events offer a welcoming space for families to connect, learn, and grow together. We also collaborate with community partners to build a network of support that surrounds our youth with positive role models and meaningful opportunities. Through these efforts, we aim to create a holistic environment where youth and their families feel empowered and engaged.
Safety, Healing & Trauma- Informed Care
Safety, healing, and trauma-informed care are at the core of our youth services. We recognize that many young people in underserved communities have experienced various forms of trauma, and we are committed to creating a supportive environment where they feel safe, seen, and valued. Our staff are trained in trauma-informed care practices, ensuring that every interaction is grounded in empathy, trust, and understanding. In addition, we equip our team and youth with essential life-saving skills through certified First Aid and Narcan training, preparing them to respond confidently in emergency situations. These efforts help foster resilience, promote emotional healing, and ensure that youth are supported physically, mentally, and emotionally as they navigate life’s challenges.
Programs
Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC)
The Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC) is a city-led program that engages young people, typically ages 16 to 24, in meaningful year-round service opportunities. Operating Monday through Friday during after-school hours, CYSC provides paid work experiences, leadership development, and community projects that help youth build essential skills, gain work readiness, and contribute to the betterment of their neighborhoods. The program empowers youth by fostering civic responsibility, promoting career exploration, and supporting personal growth.
Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP)
The Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) provides youth ages 16 to 24 with paid work experiences that promote skill development, career exploration, and personal growth. Our program operates Monday through Friday with varying shifts depending on the worksite, allowing flexibility to meet the needs of both youth participants and employers. Through hands-on job placements, training, and mentorship, IYIP helps young people build essential workforce skills and prepare for long-term career success.
Reimagine Program
The Reimagine Public Safety program engages youth in meaningful discussions and activities focused on community safety, conflict resolution, and civic responsibility. Hosted on Wednesdays and Fridays, this program offers participants an opportunity to develop leadership skills and contribute to shaping safer neighborhoods. Youth who actively participate can earn incentives up to $900, recognizing their commitment and involvement in building positive change.
One Summer Chicago Program
One Summer Chicago is a comprehensive youth employment initiative through which we serve over 200 youth each summer. We place participants at more than 62 partner businesses, providing valuable paid work experiences that develop professional skills and foster career growth. Through strong community and business relationships, One Summer Chicago helps youth gain real-world exposure, build networks, and prepare for future success.
Chicagoability
ChicagoAbility is a program dedicated to empowering youth and young adults ages 14 & 15 to provide tailored career development, skill-building, and employment opportunities. Through personalized support, training, and partnerships with inclusive employers, ChicagoAbility helps participants overcome barriers, gain meaningful work experience, and achieve greater independence. The program fosters confidence and equips youth with the tools needed to succeed in the workforce and in their communities.
Illinois Department of Transportation
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Peer Educator Program engages youth in meaningful leadership roles to promote traffic safety, injury prevention, and public awareness within their communities. As peer educators, participants receive training on critical topics such as distracted driving, seatbelt safety, and impaired driving prevention. They then lead outreach initiatives and workshops among their peers to encourage safer behaviors. This program empowers youth to become advocates for change while building public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills that prepare them for future opportunities.