The Youth Opportunities Unlimited program (Y.O.U.) provides year round, out-of-school time programming for students ages 14–18. The after school program helps youth improve academic performance, enhance workforce development skills, and increase awareness of college and career opportunities beyond high school.
Academic activities include homework help, weekly tutoring, financial literacy workshops, college tours, career guest speakers, and college application/FAFSA assistance. In addition, Y.O.U. focuses on workforce development activities, which includes paid After School Matters apprenticeships, workplace tours, professional guest speakers, 21st century skills enhancement, and resume/mock interview support.
After School Program
Y.O.U. is a free program that serves as a safe haven for youth to go to after school, where they can eat a warm snack/supper and feel supported. Our program is open during the school year from 4:00 – 7:30 pm each night, with the exception of Wednesday nights when the program runs until 8 pm to accommodate one–on-one tutoring support. Y.O.U. is also open for the full day during non–school days and throughout the summer months from 9 – 5 pm. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
Program eligibility:
- Youth must be between the ages of 14–18
- Must be enrolled in school
- Must not be affiliated with a gang
- Must not consume drugs or alcohol
- Must complete Y.O.U. application form
To apply, youth must come in person with a legal guardian to fill out an application as well as complete an academic and personal assessment plan.
To learn more, contact:
Vanessa Romero
773.645.2400
vromero@casacentral.org
Rosy Aguilar
773.645.2421
raguilar@casacentral.org
In addition to after school support, other Y.O.U. activities include:
Service Learning
The Youth Opportunities Unlimited program (Y.O.U.) provides year round service learning activities for students ages 14–18. Youth are provided with various opportunities during the school year and summer months to obtain service hours needed for graduation requirements. Youth are placed within Casa Central programs to provide support, and our program works closely with youth to accommodate their demanding school schedules. Service hours may be completed Monday – Friday from 4:00 until 7:30 pm.
Program eligibility:
- Youth must be between the ages of 14–18
- Must be enrolled in school
- Must not be affiliated with a gang
- Must not consume drugs or alcohol
- Must complete an application – legal guardian signatures required
- Must bring a current school physical
- Must complete TB test
To apply, youth must come in person with a legal guardian to fill out an application. Please visit us at Casa Central’s 1351 N. California Ave. building, and bring any school documentation required to track hours.
ServiceWorks
The Youth Opportunities Unlimited's ServiceWorks component is a 5-week program offered at both Casa Central and various local high schools that teaches students 21st century skills through service learning projects. During the program, students work one-on-one with a mentor and gain service hours needed for graduation.
In partnership with AmeriCorps and the Points of Light Foundation, ServiceWorks teaches youth leadership, project management skills, and the importance of giving back to the community through the development and implementation of service projects. Projects in turn enhance students' resumes and workforce skills.
Program eligibility:
- Youth must be between the ages of 14–18
- Must be enrolled in a partner school where curriculum is implemented (Gage Park High School, North Grand High School, and the Y.O.U. after school program at Casa Central)
To learn more, contact:
Masearte Abraha
773.645.2437
mabraha@casacentral.org
Jose Meza
773.645.2416
jmeza@casacentral.org
Devin Law
773.645.2423
dlaw@casacentral.org
Nishitkumar Patel
773.645.2439
npatel@casacentral.org
El Comienzo
The Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) program provides young adolescent parenting support through the El Comienzo program. El Comienzo is open to parents ages 25 and younger who are pregnant or parenting a child between the ages of 0–3. Home Educators work with parents to develop an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP), which outlines goals for improving the family’s quality of life and educates parents on how to be their child's first teacher. Home Educators conduct twice-a-month home visits with each family and teaches parenting skills through the BabyTALK model. Child development is monitored throughout the year, using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and ASQ: Social Emotional evaluations.
In addition, monthly parent–child meetings reinforce skills that are learned through home visits and provide parents with referral access to other internal and external resources needed to improve their child’s growth and their own well–being.
Program eligibility:
- Parent(s) must meet low income guidelines
- Must be 25 years of age or younger
- Child must be 0-to-3 years of age during time of enrollment
- Must provide a valid State ID
- Must provide child’s Birth Certificate
- Must commit to twice-a-month home visits that last 1-1.5 hours
To learn more, contact:
Thelma Torres
773.782.8815
ttorres@casacentral.org