FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO (February 22, 2019) – On Thursday, February 21, 2019, Youth Job Center (YJC) hosted an inaugural lecture regarding youth development and post-secondary planning and the underlying causes of youth unemployment. In conjunction with the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois – Chicago and the Early College and Career Office at Chicago Public Schools, YJC convened a panel discussion to reflect on the status of opportunity youth and the challenges and barriers they face in regard to access and equity in post-secondary planning and long-term success.
Our long-term goals and strategic planning include expansion plans for programs and services that have the potential to address the underlying causes of youth unemployment. The panel “Multiple Choice” invited meaningful discussions and thoughtful reflections about how we have reached this point, what we need to do, and how we can collectively impact the future. With an audience composed of legislators, community organizers, nonprofit administrators, industry leaders, employer partners, and committed stakeholders, the forum presented an opportunity to create a plan of action to truly identify and address these societal inequalities that systemically oppress those it seeks to help. Led by Frank Adams, a YJC Board member and Starbucks human resources executive, Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri, Executive Director of Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Early College and Career Education, and Dr. Teresa Cordova, Director of the Great Cities Institute at UIC, the event discussed the significant barriers Opportunity Youth in Chicago experience in relation to employment and career planning and advancement.
The mission of Youth Job Center (YJC) is, “Success for young people, in the workplace and in life.” We envision a future where all young people have the support to build a meaningful career and fulfill their potential, and for the last 35 years have worked to make that vision a reality.
YJC provides high-quality programs at the intersection of youth development, workforce development, and career planning. We focus on helping clients develop the patience, self-efficacy, and confidence they need to adjust their plans over time. YJC’s work is grounded in experiential learning; it is in the process of seeking and experiencing that clients make good choices toward career success. YJC programs address the challenges youth face in understanding what opportunities exist for them by focusing on the breadth of viable post-secondary options and helping them develop actionable plans for career advancement.
To learn more about the event please click here
Media Contact:
Katy Murphy
Director of Individual Giving
Youth Job Center
1114 Church Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
847.864.5627
kmurphy@youthjobcenter.org
www.youthjobcenter.org
