Youth & Opportunity United

During their Highway to High School program Chute Middle Schoolers joined King Arts for a super fun session of Identity and Interest Mapping! ?? As we all know, the transition to high school is a significant milestone in a student’s journey, and it’s crucial to start preparing them early. By helping students explore their interests, strengths, and goals, we’re not just setting them up for success in high school—we're giving them the tools to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Equipping students with the confidence, skills, and mindset needed for this next chapter is key to fostering future leaders. We’re proud to be part of this important work, supporting these young minds as they step into the future! ???? #HighwayToHighSchool #ChuteMiddleSchool #KingArts #HighSchool #PreparedForTheFuture #TransitionSuccess #ReadyForTheNextChapter

We are pleased to invite you to an exclusive event featuring Emily Falk, Ph.D., author of What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change. This intimate conversation will take place on April 16th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at the Y.O.U. Building. Dr. Falk will share insights into the neuroscience behind decision-making and the process of change. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a private Q&A session following the event. ?? Date: April 16, 2025 ?? Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM ?? Location: Y.O.U. Building ??? Light lunch provided This event is made possible through our partnership with Family Action Network. (FAN). We look forward to a meaningful discussion and the chance to engage with Dr. Falk. RSVP now to reserve your spot! https://ow.ly/b75b50VmoSC

This year, instead of our annual benefit, we’re investing where it counts. ?? Your generosity fuels after-school programs, mental health services, and mentorship for the youth of Evanston. With uncertain government funding, community support has never been more critical. Still want to connect with us in person? Join us today at our March Madness Watch Party at The Firehouse Grill or Author’s Table event at Y.O.U. on April 16! ?? You're invited to invest in a brighter future. Make your impact today: ?? https://ow.ly/Iaji50Vl1Zm #SmartGiving #YouthOpportunities #BrighterFuture

???? The madness is coming to Evanston tomorrow! ???? Join us for Y.O.U.'s FIRST EVER March Madness Watch Party at Firehouse Grill from 1-5 PM! ?? Enjoy food, drinks, and a chance to win some awesome prizes while supporting Y.O.U. program. ?? https://lnkd.in/g7BpaeRF

?? Empowering Future Innovators: Makerspace Challenge Highlights ?? At our Makerspace, we’re proud to provide a hands-on environment where young minds can explore, create, and strengthen their problem-solving skills. Recently, our students took on a challenge to build Japanese Karakuri — mechanical paper toys — learning valuable engineering concepts along the way. ???? By designing and constructing simple cams to bring their creations to life, the kids didn’t just have fun; they engaged in critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of engineering principles. ???? This experience is just one example of how our Makerspace is fostering the next generation of innovators. It's a place where creativity meets real-world skills, allowing students to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in a tangible and meaningful way. ?? We’re excited to continue providing opportunities that empower young creators to develop the skills that will help them thrive in an ever-evolving world. ?? #Makerspace #STEAM #EngineeringEducation #Innovation #FutureLeaders #CreativeKids #BuildingTheFuture

???? The First Annual Y.O.U. March Madness Watch Party is coming soon! Make sure you're ready to join the fun by signing up for the Y.O.U. March Madness Bracket before tomorrow’s games start! Whether you're a seasoned hoops expert or just in it for the excitement, this is your chance to compete, have fun, and support a great cause. ?? Tickets: $50: Food, a drink ticket, and bracket entry! $15: Bracket entry only! Even if you can’t attend, you can still compete and support a great cause—winner splits the proceeds with Y.O.U.! ?? Don’t wait—get your bracket in and join the madness before the first game tips off! https://ow.ly/wijU50VjiU3

Our AmeriCorps members are true heroes in our community, making a lasting impact on our Y.O.U. students every day. This AmeriCorps Week, we're taking a moment to celebrate their incredible contributions and hear directly from our students. We've received so many heartfelt shoutouts from students across all our school sites. Here are just a few: "Jaavion, you are really helpful with sport and work, and I just want to say thank you." "Thank you Ms. Aakayla, you're the best! You're amazing!" "Thank you for being at Y.O.U. and for being yourself!" "Thank you for coming and helping us with things we need help with. You made us laugh, smile, and we miss you so much. Can't wait to see you again!" "Thank you for helping Y.O.U.!" Your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for all that you do. Happy AmeriCorps Week to our incredible members! ???? Tag an AmeriCorps member you appreciate and help us spread the love this AmeriCorps Week! #AmeriCorpsWeek #AmeriCorps

We’re wrapping up our #AmeriCorpsWeek interviews with Aakayla, one of our outstanding AmeriCorps members! Aakayla was asked, "What has been the most impactful day or experience you’ve had as an AmeriCorps member working with Y.O.U.?" ?? Swipe through the slides to hear Aakayla’s full response! ?? AmeriCorps members are at the heart of creating meaningful change, shaping the future of our youth, and empowering communities to thrive. Their service makes a difference that resonates far beyond the classroom. Thank you to all our AmeriCorps members for the difference you make every day! ??

?? #AmeriCorpsWeek at Y.O.U. ?? Next, we’re featuring Filmon, one of our dedicated AmeriCorps members! Filmon was asked, "What has been your most memorable moment working with the students in Y.O.U.'s afterschool program?" ?? Swipe through the slides to hear Filmon’s full response! ?? Our AmeriCorps members quickly become a part of the Y.O.U. community, forming strong connections with both students and staff. Stay tuned for more insights from our AmeriCorps team! ?? #AmeriCorpsWeek

In celebration of #AmeriCorpsWeek, we’ve been interviewing our incredible AmeriCorps members about their experiences, what it means to celebrate this week, and the memorable moments they’ve shared with our students. Today, we’re kicking things off with Jaavion! He was asked, "How do you see AmeriCorps members making a difference in the lives of the students you work with?" ?? Check out the slides to hear Jaavion’s full response! ?? Our AmeriCorps members are not only dedicated, but they’re also great leaders and role models, showing our youth how to dream big and reach their full potential. Be sure to keep an eye out for more inspiring quotes from our AmeriCorps team later today! ??