Tarnisha Smith

For 1,400 children and families, Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is the place where possibility lives. CYC is the city’s largest private urban youth organization. Since 1956, we have prepared children ages 3-18 for lifelong success by surrounding them with the tools and resources they need to achieve in the 21st century: Holistic, project-based learning opportunities Academic, social and emotional support Family engagement Community resources Safe and innovative spaces Through seven Centers on the south and west sides of Chicago and numerous partner sites throughout the city, CYC helps bridge the employable skills gap and empowers families to break the persistent cycles of poverty and violence.