Mission and Vision

Every young person in Chicago connects to a variety of rich, engaging, safe, and youth-centered out-of-school experiences that empower them to discover and cultivate their talents, passions, skills, and identities; develop as physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy members of society; build relationships and networks with peers and mentors; and explore multiple pathways to college, careers, trades, entrepreneurship, and life-long learning.

Access and participation in Chicago’s diverse out-of-school opportunity ecosystem must be equitable (not equal) across race, gender identities, age, disability, immigration status, income, neighborhood, and other identities, resulting in all young people (as well as their families, mentors, and caring adults) leveraging community assets and the city’s resources to build positive futures for themselves and their communities.

How Can You Get Involved?