Youth Guidance Chicago

Youth Guidance Chicago Youth Guidance: Guiding Kids to Bright Futures More than 95% of youth served are African American and Hispanic/Latin.

Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs, like BAM® and WOW that enable children & older youth to overcome obstacles, focus on their education and, ultimately, to succeed in school and in life. Success is realized as students stay on track to graduate elementary and high school, develop the skills and abilities needed to make positive choices in their lives, and develop resilien

ce assets such as self-efficacy, anger management, and positive values so that they may live successful, self-sufficient lives as adults, reaching their potential. Our strategically, trauma-informed developed delivery areas are: Counseling & Prevention (BAM, WOW, STRIVE) Community & After School (Parent/Family Engagement, Full-Service Community Schools Community Learning Centers and Extended Day & Enrichment Programs), Youth Workforce Development (Project Prepare, , Project Prepare Blue). We directly serve more than 13,000 youth while strengthening families and touching the lives of parents, teachers and communities. Youth Guidance is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).

08/20/2026

🧭 No phones. No GPS. Just a compass, a map, and a team.

Last month, students in Youth Guidance's Career Readiness Program (CRS) took on the annual Loop Discovery Scavenger Hunt, navigating downtown Chicago the old-fashioned way.

Along the journey, they strengthened teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail while exploring landmarks, public art, and cultural centers throughout the city. For some students, it was their first time visiting these spaces.

Loop Discovery is more than a scavenger hunt. It's an opportunity for young people to build confidence, develop real-world navigation skills, and see themselves as part of the city's future.

Community. Connection. Celebration.Our Becoming A Man (BAM), Working on Womanhood (WOW), and Community & After School Pr...
08/18/2026

Community. Connection. Celebration.

Our Becoming A Man (BAM), Working on Womanhood (WOW), and Community & After School Programs (CAP) teams proudly represented Youth Guidance at the 97th Annual Bud Billiken Parade alongside thousands of Chicagoans celebrating youth and education.

From connecting with families to sharing resources and building community, we were honored to be part of a tradition that continues to uplift and inspire young people across the city.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to connect with us!



Growth happens when young people are given the opportunity to challenge themselves, support one another, and discover wh...
08/17/2026

Growth happens when young people are given the opportunity to challenge themselves, support one another, and discover what they're capable of.

Earlier this month, WOW students spent six days at Camp WeHaKee through our partnership with Camp for All Kids Four Star Fellowship, putting the skills they build throughout the year into practice.

From horseback riding and canoeing to archery, campfires, and team-building activities, students stepped outside their comfort zones, strengthened their confidence, and deepened connections with their peers and WOW Counselors.

They came home with more than memories. They returned with stronger relationships, new perspectives, and a greater belief in themselves.

The basketball games ended. The gym eventually emptied. The lights went out. But what remained were the relationships ...
08/06/2026

The basketball games ended. The gym eventually emptied. The lights went out.

But what remained were the relationships strengthened that night.

On a summer evening in West Garfield Park, nearly 100 young people gathered at the YMCA for basketball, gaming, food, and connection. What they found was something even more meaningful: a space where they felt welcomed, supported, and surrounded by people who showed up for them.

Because every young person deserves to know their community sees them, believes in them, and is invested in their future.

Read the full story: https://www.youth-guidance.org/how-one-summer-night-created-space-for-young-people-to-thrive/

When girls see women leading, teaching, and thriving, they begin to imagine bigger possibilities for themselves.That was...
07/31/2026

When girls see women leading, teaching, and thriving, they begin to imagine bigger possibilities for themselves.

That was the power of WNBA All-Star Weekend for our WOW students.

Throughout a weekend of experiences at the Obama Presidential Center, students learned basketball skills, connected with inspiring women in sport, and engaged in conversations about emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and overcoming challenges.

More than lessons on the court, they experienced the power of representation. They saw women sharing their stories, investing in the next generation, and demonstrating what confidence, resilience, and leadership can look like in everyday life.

The experience reinforced something we see every day at Youth Guidance: confidence grows when young people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to dream beyond what they thought was possible.

We're grateful to Nike and the WNBA for creating opportunities that remind girls their potential extends far beyond the court.

Obama Foundation NikeWomen

Today, we're celebrating more than internships. We're celebrating growth. 🌟This National Intern Day, we're spotlighting ...
07/30/2026

Today, we're celebrating more than internships. We're celebrating growth. 🌟

This National Intern Day, we're spotlighting four young people who stepped into professional spaces, built new skills, and discovered what's possible for their futures.

From learning financial literacy with the goal of giving back to family and community, to strengthening communication skills, gaining confidence while working with youth, and mastering workplace tools for the first time, each experience represents a step toward life after high school.

Through Youth Guidance's Career Readiness & Success Programs, young people don't just prepare for careers. They gain the skills, relationships, and real-world experience that help them navigate college, careers, and adulthood with confidence.

Happy National Intern Day to all of our incredible interns. We're excited to see where your journeys take you next.

Every number tells a story and Giulianna Grandinetti helps us listen. Through her work in Youth Guidance’s Department ...
07/15/2026

Every number tells a story and Giulianna Grandinetti helps us listen.

Through her work in Youth Guidance’s Department of Evaluation and Quality Improvement, in the EVOLVE program, Giulianna helps teams better understand how to strengthen and grow programs so they can meet the real needs of the young people we serve.

A recognized leader beyond our organization, she was named a 2025 Leader of Impact by Women Impact Tech, and continues to bring heart, care, and intention to everything she does.

Now she’s been nominated for Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year and we couldn’t be prouder.

Vote for Giulianna (one vote per device, through July 24): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/52VJ8JW

07/14/2026

You can't be what you can't see.

Last week, Youth Guidance students spent the afternoon at the BMO Tower connecting with professionals, building career skills, and gaining a firsthand look at what their futures can hold.

From mock interviews to meaningful conversations, every interaction was a reminder that opportunity grows when young people can see themselves in spaces where they belong.

Thank you to BMO U.S. and our Associate Board Member Logan Tate for investing your time, expertise, and belief in our students.

A basketball game. A boxing lesson. A shared meal. New friendships. 💙 For more than 100 young people, that's what the st...
07/06/2026

A basketball game. A boxing lesson. A shared meal. New friendships. 💙

For more than 100 young people, that's what the start of Fourth of July weekend looked like at Late Night Recreation on Chicago's West Side.

Youth Guidance was proud to partner with Breakthrough and other community organizations at the West Garfield Park YMCA to create a space where young people could laugh, compete, create, connect, and simply enjoy being together, surrounded by caring adults who believe in them.

We were also honored to welcome Mayor Brandon Johnson, who joined us in celebrating the power of investing in young people and strengthening our communities.

At Youth Guidance, we know that safe spaces do more than keep young people occupied. They help build relationships, foster belonging, and remind every young person that they matter.

Thank you to Breakthrough, the West Garfield Park YMCA , our community partners, volunteers, and everyone who helped make Late Night Recreation possible. Together, we're building stronger communities—one relationship at a time.

, Chicago Mayor's Office

Happy Fourth of July! 🎆As we celebrate Independence Day, we're reminded that strong communities are built through connec...
07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! 🎆

As we celebrate Independence Day, we're reminded that strong communities are built through connection, opportunity, and a shared commitment to helping young people thrive.

Thank you to everyone who helps make that possible—from our students and families to our staff, partners, and supporters.

Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday.

Address

1 N La Salle Street
Chicago, IL
60602

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13122534900

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Youth Guidance Chicago posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category