Youth and Family Services Center

The Youth and Family Services Center serves young people ages 11 to 24 through programming that includes socioemotional learning and competencies, academic enrichment and support, career development training, college readiness and success, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), trades exploration, and entrepreneurship.

Our Approach

We recognize that the foundation of a healthy, fulfilling adulthood is built during the critical adolescent development period. Our programming is based on a positive youth development framework. Our staff are committed to helping youth understand and manage their emotions, build or strengthen supportive relationships, improve responsibility and decision-making, seek help when needed, and plan for a hopeful and fulfilling future.

Our Programs

We offer a comprehensive set of age-appropriate programs that includes small group sessions, one-on-one meetings, academic enrichment and career development assistance. We meet students where they are and aim to help them thrive academically, socially and emotionally, with the goal of preparing them to compete in a fast-paced and an increasingly global economy.

Saturday Programming: Future Ready Pathways to Purpose is a 9-month CUL youth leadership program (grades 6-12) with three tracks: Civic Leadership, STEM & Innovation, and Culture, Identity & Pathway. Now enrolling the 2026-2027 cohort.

DL3 Cares Future Leaderships Academy: Post Secondary pathways college and career readiness program.

Sponsored by the DL3 Cares Foundation, the College & Career Pathways program prepares high school students in grades 10–12 for success beyond high school. Students will explore college and career opportunities while building the practical skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to navigate their future.

Through hands-on experiences, mentoring, college and career exploration, financial literacy, professional development, goal setting, decision-making, communication, and other critical life skills, students will be equipped to make informed choices and successfully transition into their next chapter.

Project Ready Middle School is a program that prepares students for the transition to high school and builds an early foundation for college readiness. Students participate in a series of activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), financial literacy, career development, trades and social/emotional development and learning. This program operates in multiple schools throughout the City of Chicago and South Suburbs during the school year. Learn more.

Project Ready High School is a program that assists 9th and 10th grade students in acclimating through high school by equipping them with age-appropriate life skills designed around STEM, high school success, college readiness, academic achievement, cultural awareness & advocacy, social development, and workforce readiness. Learn more.

Mentoring: Our free in-person mentoring program pairs young people ages 10–21 with caring adult mentors who help them set real goals and build the confidence to reach them. Sign up as a mentee, or volunteer to become a mentor.

Scholarship Program is open to any recent high school senior or returning student up to 21 years old continuing their post- secondary education. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $5,000. Applications open each spring. Learn more.

Internships are offered to our Project Ready High School and Project Ready College youth. The paid and unpaid internships will allow our students to gain valuable work experience in the areas of carpentry, data management, entrepreneurship, real estate, and various other disciplines. Learn more.

Lyric Opera Pathfinders is a partnership with Lyric Opera of Chicago that engages Black youth in a non-academic performing arts program that results in a culminating performance each year. Learn more.

Digital Literacy is a Chicago Urban League outreach program to assist CPS families and community members with digital literacy support. Learn more.

Career Readiness is offered through the Chicago Urban League to all middle school and high schoolers. Career readiness is presented differently depending on the group. Learn more.

Summer Immersion is a summer program for youth between the ages of 11 – 18. Learn more.

Environmental Justice Academy provides participants with skills to identify their environmental challenges and accomplish their communities’ environmental improvement goals. Learn more.

Civic Engagement is the foundation on which the Chicago Urban League exists today. We have made the commitment and are dedicated to bridging the divide that exists. Learn more.

Youth Summit is one of the largest yearly convening for middle school and high school youth in the Chicagoland area. The purpose of our youth summit is to help our youth learn from experts of a given field and be able to take away information, learn a skill, share ideas and thoughts, as well as participate in specialized programming. Learn more.

To learn more about any of our programs, contact Nakia Samuels, Director of Programs, Youth & Family Services, at nsamuels@chiul.org.