Washington Park Youth Tutoring Program

Chicago Youth Programs Mission:: Chicago Youth Programs, Inc! (CYP) is an award winning, innovative program created by concerned volunteers with a proven success of long-term outcomes for its participants. CYP currently offers services in three under-served communities: Cabrini Green, Washington Park, and Uptown.

CYP strives to improve the life-opportunities of at-risk youth through a comprehensive approach aimed at developing their overall capabilities. CYP's programming focuses on education, mentoring, recreation, preventative health care, and scholarship and career assistance.
Important characteristics of CYP's approach:: Comprehensive Programming- Over 500 volunteers staff 48 innovative programs which provide role models, one-on-one tutoring, arts and cultural activities, career guidance, pre-school activities, parent training, recreational opportunities, and quality health care.

Health Combined with Human Services- CYP provides a free health clinic through Children's Memorial Hospital staffed by volunteer physicians. CYP stresses the importance of providing holistic services.

Long-Term Measurable Outcomes- CYP enrolls youth as early as pre-school and provides programs to keep them engaged in activities throughout childhood and adolescence. CYP monitors long-term outcomes on each participant.

Efficiency- 98% of CYP staff consists of volunteers who direct many programs. CYP has also never paid for program space. This ensures that all funds are channeled directly to programming.

Measures of Effectiveness: Simply put, if youth are not retained in the program long-term, especially during the critical adolescent years, the chances of helping them improve their long-term outcomes are significantly reduced. By providing mentoring, recreational alternatives, tutoring, self-esteem enhancement, social skills development, and leadership training, CYP provides alternatives to delinquent activities.
CYP's goal:: To place each child into college or trade school with the skills and resources necessary to succeed. This includes providing need-based scholarships to ensure that finances do not prevent deserving children from attending college.