To provide Chicago public high school teens opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. We achieve our mission by: Designing and delivering high quality, hands-on, project-based apprenticeship programs in a variety of content areas, including the arts, communications, science, sports and technology. Engaging skilled professionals as instructors who support teens’ growth and development in an intentional and meaningful way. Aligning and maximizing the resources of an extensive network of public-private partnerships – including Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Library, and hundreds of community organizations throughout the city – to coordinate and sustain investment in youth development through school- and community-based programming. Focusing on continuous quality improvement, data-driven and cost-effective decisions, strengthening skills to encourage improved academic outcomes, and positive impacts for teens, schools and communities we serve.
Gloria Hafer