Out-of-School Time (OST) Program
Y.O.U. 's Out-of-School Time (OST) Program currently serves youth in grades 2–12 at 9 high-need schools in Evanston and Skokie, Illinois.
We focus on providing opportunities and experiences for youth to promote well-being and success.
Y.O.U.'s afterschool and summer programming is offered at no cost to youth and their families.
Our OST Program fosters social-emotional learning and school success--offering academic support, enrichments, and opportunities for peer connection and fun. On a quarterly basis, Y.O.U. carefully designs and selects developmentally-appropriate program components¹ to engage youth along a path of exposure in our Elementary Program, exploration in our Middle School Program, and experience in our High School Program. Y.O.U. collaborates with more than 50 partner providers to expand experiential learning opportunities in safe and nurturing environments.
Program curricula integrates three integrated areas of learning:
High School Program
Our High School Program offers hands-on learning and preparation for post-secondary life. Experiences including:
- Hands-on enrichment activities
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
The majority of our High School Program takes place at Y.O.U. 's headquarters, just across the street from Evanston Township High School, utilizing spaces such as our state of the art Makerspace, Demonstration Kitchen, and Urban Gardens
Summer Programming
Y.O.U. offers a full-day summer program for youth from grades 2–12 that provides experiential learning, recreation, and exposure to enriching opportunities. This program is free of cost to youth and their families thanks to public and private grants along with contributions from our generous community.