Youth Services
Youth Empowered to Succeed (YES!) is SER’s comprehensive initiative to fully develop the potential of youth, ages 16 to 24, which are at risk of not transitioning educationally and emotionally successfully into adulthood. SER targets youth from low-income, underserved communities, including many who are ex-offenders and/or gang-affected. SER believes that these young individuals have the ability to become productive and thriving members of society if given the necessary support and resources. YES! helps youth identify, pursue and achieve their academic, job and career goals. SER’s YES! programs offer intensive career coaching and case management services, GED classes, job readiness, work-based learning, transportation, restorative justice, service learning projects, leadership training and much more.
Call any of our locations today to learn more about this program and find out if you are eligible!
Reconnection Hub
Reconnection Hub offers a dynamic youth development program dedicated to empowering young people—primarily ages 16–24—by providing the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in school, careers, and life. Through mentorship, academic support, career readiness training, and hands-on learning experiences, youth gain the confidence and skills needed to become leaders in their communities. Participants can take part in programs such as one-on-one mentoring, after-school workshops focused on college preparation, financial literacy, and vocational pathways, as well as creative media training through Diverse Studios where youth learn podcasting, photography, and videography. The program also connects youth to paid summer employment opportunities through One Summer Chicago, helping them gain real-world work experience. With personalized support, enrichment activities, and access to important community resources, Reconnection Hub is committed to helping every young person reach their full potential while building a stronger future for themselves and their communities.
S.O.A.R
The student Outreach and Re-engagement (SOAR) program, in collaboration with Chicago Public Schools, serves students who need a new pathway toward high school graduation. SOAR offers additional supports and services for students who have been out of school and seek to return, or who may need opportunities to earn credits in an accelerated program.
Justice Involved & Out of School Youth
The WIOA Out-of-School Youth program serves 16–24-year-olds who are out of school and seeking full-time employment or trade training leading to full-time work. Participants must be low income (e.g., live in a high-poverty area, receive SNAP, have low earnings, or have not worked in the past six months). They must have a high school diploma or GED; if not, the program will pay for them to earn their GED before moving on to employment or training.
One Summer Chicago
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), also known as One Summer Chicago (OSC), partners with government agencies, community organizations, and employers to provide jobs and internships to over 20,000 Chicago youth ages 16–24 each year. Participants complete 120 hours of paid career exploration and skill-building activities over six weeks, earning digital badges in areas like career readiness, goal planning, and financial responsibility. These badges showcase their achievements and help demonstrate workforce readiness to potential employers.
Youth Services at American Job Center
WIOA Youth offers out-of-school youth (16-24 years old) an opportunity to participate in a variety of programs and trainings that will assist them in obtaining employment. Cook County focused population 16years -24years of age
