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Youth Guidance in Chicago

Chicago is home to Youth Guidance’s broadest range of programs, bringing counseling, mentoring, enrichment, family support, college and career preparation, and other opportunities directly to young people and school communities.

Working alongside Chicago schools, families and community partners, we create spaces where young people feel seen and supported, build on their strengths and develop the skills and relationships they need to thrive.

Our Work in Chicago

Support for young people—in school and beyond.

Across Chicago, Youth Guidance programs meet young people at different stages of their lives and respond to the needs of the communities we serve.

Born in Chicago. Proven Beyond It.

Local relationships. National impact.

Youth Guidance began in Chicago and has continued to evolve alongside the young people, schools and communities we serve.

Chicago has also been an important home for innovation. Programs developed and strengthened here—including Becoming A Man and Working on Womanhood—have demonstrated what is possible when young people have consistent relationships with caring adults and spaces designed around their strengths and experiences.

Today, lessons learned in Chicago help inform Youth Guidance’s work with young people and communities across the country.

Chicago Impact

Relationships that make a difference.

11,500+

young people served annually

201

Chicago schools and community sites

Connect With Us

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Give

Invest in programs and relationships that help young people thrive.

Partner

Explore opportunities for your school, organization or company to work with Youth Guidance.

Program Leadership

Nacole Gibson

Nacole Gibson

Chief Program Officer

As Chief Program Officer, Nacole Gibson leads Youth Guidance’s program strategy and operations, helping ensure our programs deliver high-quality, responsive support for young people and communities.

With expertise in clinical psychology, youth development and trauma-informed care, Nacole brings a deep commitment to positive youth development and to strengthening the people and practices that make Youth Guidance programs effective.

Program Strategy Committee

Local leadership. Shared commitment.

Youth Guidance’s Board of Directors’ Committees are composed of individuals who are committed to helping students and program participants in their communities. Each committee member has a strong desire to be actively involved in solving the issues these youth face.

Laura Beres

Vice President, Merchandising, Strategy & Growth, Ulta Beauty

Steve Grimes

Partner, Winston Taylor

Zachary Judd

Darren Robbins

SVP and Group CIO, Allstate Personal Lines

Amii Sibley Foster

SVP, Client & Business Management Executive, Bank of America Private Bank

Mashana Smith

Clinical Psychologist, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Assistant Professor, Northwestern University

Travis Sullivan

President, Boeing Southeast Asia