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Every young person deserves someone in their corner.

Relationships. Results. Brighter Futures.
Youth Guidance partners with schools and communities to empower young people to thrive through trusted relationships and proven programs that strengthen mental health, school engagement, and pathways to brighter futures.

Relationships. Results. Brighter Futures.

Youth Guidance partners with schools and communities to empower young people to thrive through trusted relationships and proven programs that strengthen mental health, school engagement, and pathways to brighter futures.
 

“Without Youth Guidance, I don’t know where I’d be.”

David Magallanes
BAM alumnus | University of Chicago graduate

“BAM and WOW have been essential components of our school fabric.”

Dr. Heidy Moran
Principal | Schurz High School

“Supporting Youth Guidance is about investing in us as young people—our beliefs, our personal growth. It’s not about changing our lives in a moment; it’s about shaping our futures.”

Maniyah Franklin
WOW alumnus | National Louis University student

“Without Youth Guidance, I would not have been placed in an environment where I could grow.””

Zayin Parker
BAM & Project Prepare Blue alumnus

“Without Youth Guidance, I don’t know where I’d be.”

David Magallanes
BAM alumnus | University of Chicago graduate

“BAM and WOW have been essential components of our school fabric.”

Dr. Heidy Moran
Principal | Schurz High School

“Without Youth Guidance, I would not have been placed in an environment where I could grow.””

Zayin Parker
BAM & Project Prepare Blue alumnus

A Portfolio of Proven Solutions

We support young people as they grow, with programs matched to their needs, and the evidence to show they work.
Group mentoring that helps young men manage emotions, develop life skills, and make healthy decisions for their futures.
A healing-centered program that helps young women build confidence, process trauma, and step into their strengths.
Three people sitting in a circle and talking to each other inside of a classroom. The woman has curly hair and is wearing a black t-shirt that says "Evolve." A man with glasses sits next to her, with his head down, listening intently. A man with short, dark beard stubble is seated on her right side and is making eye contact as she speaks.
Training and coaching that equips educators and school staff with tools to strengthen school culture, deepen connections with students, and create supportive learning environments.
Helps young people prepare for college, career, and life after high school through coaching, skill-building, and access to education and employment opportunities.
Provides K–12 students and their families with school-based academic enrichment, afterschool programming and community supports.
Links young people and families facing urgent challenges to critical resources, support, and services that strengthen family stability, safety, and well-being.
Provides individual, group, and family support that helps students navigate life challenges and stay engaged in learning.
Helps youth in state care prepare for adulthood through individualized coaching and support.

A Portfolio of Proven Solutions

We support young people as they grow, with programs matched to their needs, and the evidence to show they work.
Group mentoring that helps young men manage emotions, develop life skills, and make healthy decisions for their futures.
A healing-centered program that helps young women build confidence, process trauma, and step into their strengths.
Training and coaching that equips educators and school staff with tools to strengthen school culture, deepen connections with students, and create supportive learning environments.
Helps young people prepare for college, career, and life after high school through coaching, skill-building, and access to education and employment opportunities.
Provides K–12 students and their families with school-based academic enrichment, afterschool programming and community supports.
Links young people and families facing urgent challenges to critical resources, support, and services that strengthen family stability, safety, and well-being.
Provides individual, group, and family support that helps students navigate life challenges and stay engaged in learning.
Helps youth in state care prepare for adulthood through individualized coaching and support.

Our Impact

50%

Reduction in violent-crime arrests — BAM participants; UChicago Crime Lab

68%

Experienced significant reductions in clinical depression symptoms — WOW participants; FY25 data

94%

Said EVOLVE helped them feel connected, seen and valued at school — EVOLVE participants; FY25 data

Find Youth Guidance in Your City

One national organization, local presence.
Strengthening what works. Building what’s next.
Public funding is shrinking just as young people’s needs are rising. Bright Futures is raising a $30 million impact fund and, over time, a $50 million endowment to sustain proven programs, respond to emerging needs, and help more young people thrive.

In Their Words


“I’ve become the version of myself I always dreamed of being. I compliment people more. I express myself freely—through my voice, my style, and how I show up in the world.” — Kailee Roman This post is part of Becoming Us, a new storytelling series from Youth Guidance that honors…
Weeks into a new school year, 500 Chicago students are walking the halls in sneakers they received at Back 2 School Kicks—an annual tradition that is growing from a shoe giveaway into something bigger. The music filled the indoor track at…
Project Prepare Blue helps young adults ages 18–24 move toward employment, education and other postsecondary goals.  “What do we want to get?”  “Money!” the graduates shouted back.  “When do…
At Camp WeHaKee, WOW students step beyond the classroom to strengthen leadership, resilience, confidence, and healthy relationships through new experiences and connections. As the bus pulls into Camp WeHaKee in Winter, Wisconsin, cell…