Dec 10, 2025 / Hector Cervantes
“From after-hours recreation to mental health care, youth programs on the West and Northwest Sides remain a lifeline to children and families in vulnerable neighborhoods. But shifts, threats and cuts to grant programs risk endangering critical support.”
Nov 14, 2025 / 11:00 AM CST
Bear Down to Read celebrates the importance of male role models in education, and the value of Early Learning Programs.
At Chicago Youth Centers, we actively promote the participation of fathers, father-figures, and male role models in children’s education and development, recognizing their importance in preparing children for school and life success.
Why it matters:
Children with engaged families are twice as likely to earn higher grades and test scores.
Family reading routines are linked to a 34% increase in early language and vocabulary development.
Family participation in learning activities at home can improve student achievement by up to 50 percentile points.
April 17, 2025 / Lawndale News
“A smart pet deterrent system and customizable copper charm bracelets designed to alleviate arthritis pain were just some of the product ideas ten young entrepreneurs pitched during a Shark Tank Jr., event marking the culmination of Chicago Youth Advancement Initiative’s (CYAI) business and entrepreneurship program. The ten entrepreneurs, ages 9-12, participated in the 10-week program through Chicago Youth Centers’ (CYC) Sidney Epstein Center.”
Jan 29, 2025 / 03:55 PM CDT / Ji Suk Yi, Sarah Jindra
“This winter the Chicago Youth Centers are promoting holistic well-being with skiing and winter sports. The “Winter Sports Project” gives kids the opportunity to discover new career paths, gain confidence, and explore self-care. Anjel and India join us with more.”
Jul 11, 2024 / 02:19 PM CDT / Ji Suk Yi, Tonya Francisco
“For more than 60 years the Chicago Youth Centers have been the place where possibility lives. They’re hard at work ensuring kids have a safe place to explore, discover, and envision a bright future for themselves. And CYC makes that dream possible with hands-on clubs five days a week 48 weeks a year. Tina and Constance join us with more.”
May 16, 2024 / 5:23 PM CDT / CBS Chicago - Suzanne Le Mignot
“Thursday was Mental Health Action Day and CBS is partnering with MTV to provide grants to local nonprofits that give people the tools to improve their own mental health.
In Chicago, the recipient of the grant is Gabriel's Light, an organization that works to prevent youth suicide through education and kindness campaigns.”
June 14, 2023 / 7:53 AM CDT / CBS Chicago
“Just in time for summer break, today Chicago Youth Centers will cut the ribbon on its first new center in 30 years.
CYC in Calumet Heights will offer inter-generational programming, childcare, and early-education opportunities.”
April 5, 2022 / Block Club Chicago - Maxwell Evans
“Chicago Youth Centers will turn the former Buckingham Special Education Center in Calumet Heights into a neighborhood hub. It won’t replace the school, but it will offer support systems for local families, leaders said.”
WGN-TV anchors Lourdes Duarte and Lauren Magiera rappel 17 stories down the 20 W Kinzie building for CYC’s first-ever Over The Edge event. Watch here!
Rufio and Kristie from The Fred Show chat about going Over The Edge for CYC. Listen here.
218 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 510, Chicago, IL 60604 | info@chicagoyouthcenters.org | 312-913-1700
Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible.
