Summer Program 2026

Program Dates

June 15 – July 24, 2026

Who Can Join

Youth who live in Evanston and are entering grades 2–9 in the fall.
Incoming 9th graders attending ETHS in the fall are welcome.

Location

The Summer Program will be offered at a District 65 school site.
The exact school placement and daily hours will be shared directly with registered families once confirmed.

What Does the Y.O.U. Summer Program Offer?

★ Creative Workshops: Hands-on activities in art, music, and creative writing.
★ STEM Learning: Engaging projects in science, technology, engineering, and math.
★ Field Trips: Weekly adventures to exciting destinations in and around Chicago.
★ Recreation & Wellness: Sports, games, mindfulness activities, and outdoor experiences.
★ Community Building: Opportunities to connect with peers and caring mentors in a safe, supportive environment.

Each summer, more than 400 Evanston youth build skills, friendships, and confidence at Y.O.U.

Start Your Registration

Receiving eLEAP Funding?

If your family is eligible for eLEAP funding, you must begin registration through District 65’s Digital Backpack system before completing Y.O.U.’s Summer Registration Form.

Important Update for eLEAP Families

A new initiative from the eLEAP team allows Y.O.U. to receive $150 on behalf of your child at no cost to your scholarship funds. By selecting Youth & Opportunity United in Digital Backpack and pledging at least $0, this additional $150 is directed to support Y.O.U.’s Summer Program. These funds help keep our programs open, updated, and fully supported for all youth.

You are not required to use your scholarship funds toward Y.O.U.’s program. Families may pledge $0 and still direct the $150 to Y.O.U. If you choose to contribute scholarship funds toward the program, we greatly appreciate your support.

Because of this initiative, all eLEAP-eligible families are required to complete the Digital Backpack step before finishing Y.O.U.’s registration form.

Log in using your student’s District 65 ID and password through PowerSchool. (If you do not have this information, it can be found in the PowerSchool parent portal. Helpful resources are linked below.)
Search for “Youth Opportunity United” and select the Y.O.U. Summer 2026 Program.
Apply and pledge at least $0.

After submitting your Digital Backpack application, return here to complete Y.O.U.’s Summer Registration Form.

Registration is not complete until both steps are finished.
Y.O.U. may follow up with families to confirm eLEAP status before finalizing enrollment.

Helpful Resources:

Not Receiving eLEAP Funding?

If your family is not using eLEAP funding, complete Y.O.U.’s Summer Registration Form below.

Tuition & Sliding Scale

Tuition is based on annual household income.

$0–59,999 = Free / eLEAP
$60,000–79,999 = $515
$80,000–99,999 = $875
$100,000+ = $1,750

*Please read our FAQ if you have any questions

Registration Timeline

Registration Opens for Current Y.O.U. Families: February 23
Registration Opens to Community: March 2
Registration Closes: May 1

Space is limited, and registration is first-come, first-served.

We look forward to another enriching summer with your family.