Lawndale News Article: Teen-Led Youth Business, Entrepreneurship Program Culminates with Shark Tank Jr. Pitch Competition

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April 17, 2025 / Lawndale News

“A smart pet deterrent system and customizable copper charm bracelets designed to alleviate arthritis pain were just some of the product ideas ten young entrepreneurs pitched during a Shark Tank Jr., event marking the culmination of Chicago Youth Advancement Initiative’s (CYAI) business and entrepreneurship program. The ten entrepreneurs, ages 9-12, participated in the 10-week program through Chicago Youth Centers’ (CYC) Sidney Epstein Center.”

Read the full article here!

WGN Spotlight Chicago Interview: Early Learning & Out-Of-School Time Enrichment

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Jul 11, 2024 / 02:19 PM CDT / Ji Suk Yi, Tonya Francisco

“For more than 60 years the Chicago Youth Centers have been the place where possibility lives. They’re hard at work ensuring kids have a safe place to explore, discover, and envision a bright future for themselves. And CYC makes that dream possible with hands-on clubs five days a week 48 weeks a year. Tina and Constance join us with more.”

Watch the full interview here!

CBS Chicago: Chicago students take part in Mental Health Action Day

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May 16, 2024 / 5:23 PM CDT / CBS Chicago - Suzanne Le Mignot

“Thursday was Mental Health Action Day and CBS is partnering with MTV to provide grants to local nonprofits that give people the tools to improve their own mental health.

In Chicago, the recipient of the grant is Gabriel's Light, an organization that works to prevent youth suicide through education and kindness campaigns.”

Watch the full story here!

Block Club Chicago: Closed South Side School Will Become Community Center With Early Childhood, After-School And Senior Programs

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April 5, 2022 / Block Club Chicago - Maxwell Evans

“Chicago Youth Centers will turn the former Buckingham Special Education Center in Calumet Heights into a neighborhood hub. It won’t replace the school, but it will offer support systems for local families, leaders said.”

Read the full article here!

CYC CEO Kevin Cherep Discusses the Larger Impacts of the Pandemic

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“We’re ready to serve the community however we can, but you know, when this is over, and it will end, the pressure that’s going to be put on those who are already living in poverty is going to be astronomical, and we need to be ready to answer that need,” said Kevin Cherep, the organization’s president and CEO.

Watch and read the full interview with WTTW here.