Youth Options Unlimited
Youth Options Unlimited (YOU) program inspires and challenges over 270 youth annually, ages 12-18, to prepare for their future, to become active in their communities and to grow academically and personally.
Erie House’s Youth Drop-In 
Center is a safe, supportive place to go after school throughout the academic year and from noon to 5 p.m. throughout summer. Students receive academic support, technology access and training, and have the opportunity to participate in various activities and sports with their peers.
Mentoring and Leadership for Youth and Parents
Tutoring to Educate for Aims and Motivation (TEAM), YOU's model mentoring program, pairs Chicago professionals as volunteer mentors with Erie youth to focus on academics, college preparation and life skills in weekly one-on-one sessions. Since 1998, 100 percent of TEAM students have graduated high school and 97 percent have gone on to college. The program provides college scholarships, comprehensive workshops on the financial aid application process and visits to Chicago's largest college fair and various universities.
Erie's Youth Council helps plan program activities, field trips, and fundraising events and addresses program concerns. YOU staff serves as advisors to the council. The Parent Council meets bi-monthly with Erie's Youth and Family Support Coordinator to discuss the program and plan and participate in workshops and activities for parents and youth.
Volunteer to mentor a youth today!
To learn more, click here.
Academics and Apprenticeships
Youth receive academic support from staff, peers and mentors. Individual tutoring sessions are offered several days each week during homework time.
Through Visionaries apprenticeships, youth are introduced to the principles and applications of Microsoft FrontPage, Adobe Photoshop and Internet research to create their own web pages and learn how to market themselves personally and professionally. The program includes visits from professionals in the technology field and trips to media production organizations in the city. Youth also learn the basics of film editing and production with highly specialized equipment.
Erie Cares internships allows youth to spend summers working in Erie's after school program, helping plan activities and serving as mentors to children ages five through 12.
Creative Expression
Young women and men gather separately every week for open dialogue on communication, goal-setting, health, decision-making as well as social, educational and political issues through special workshops.
Through InVerse, Erie youth explore and express themselves creatively through artistic activities and the media. Activities change every six weeks and include journaling, poetry, music, writing, painting, drawing, cooking, and digital photography classes.
Healthy Competition
With the support of After School Matters, Erie youth play in competitive sports leagues with other community-based organizations and participate in clinics on teamwork and sportsmanship. The Youth Drop-In Center offers pool tournaments and other recreational activities.
