Youth Development Program
Notice: For up-to-date information on our Youth programs, please visit us at ywcachicago.org. YWCA Lake County and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago recently merged!
We offer a variety of youth programs to our community. With us, you can enroll your children in before and after school care, days off from school care, and seasonal camp programs. Our programs have a tremendous influence on children and young people by teaching new skills, introducing them to critical environmental issues, promoting their emotional and physical development, increasing self-esteem by improving social skills and relationship building, and introducing them to the world of STE²M.
Your children are important to you and we want to offer the same level of care that you provide them every day.
Program Descriptions
Children 5-13 years old can enroll in our School Age program which allows them to participate in creative expression, receive homework help, and receive affordable, high-quality care before and after school, as well as on school days off and half days.
*All programs accept DHS CCAP
Independent Sites
- Redeemer Lutheran Church (620 W Grove Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085)
- ONLY BEFORE SCHOOL: 6am – 9am
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (824 N Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085)
- ONLY AFTER SCHOOL: 2pm – 6pm
- Half days, early dismissal days, and days off are also available
*Waukegan locations operated on Waukegan School District calendar
Summer, winter, and spring break are always right around the corner and we want to offer your children an opportunity for fun, education, and comprehensive enrichment. With our well-rounded curriculum, your child will be able to learn and grow while on break from school.
Youth 5-13 years old can join our K.I.T. program where they’ll find a safe environment for learning Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Math (STE²M). The K.I.T. program features different projects that both boys and girls will enjoy while they travel to facilities during the school year and collaborate with summer camps around Lake County.
Girls 9-14 years old can join our TechGYRLS® program where they’ll find a safe environment for learning Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Math (STE²M). In TechGYRLS® we encourage girls to go after STE²M based careers and to be empowered by their dreams to pursue them.
TechGYRLS® go to different Lake County schools and facilities during the school year and hold camps for summer, winter, and spring break. Activities include STE²M projects, the National FIRST Lego League robotics competition, IT Empowerment Day, field trips, job shadows and community service.
Youth 15-21 years old can continue their STE²M learning with TechTEENS. We believe that we should prepare our teens to face a big, new, technological world after high school-these are lessons that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. This program is held at different schools and facilities across Lake County.
Our concentration is on college and career planning. Our team coordinates and facilitates college visits, job shadows and class activities that teach scholarship research, resume writing, job skills, and professional etiquette.
Youth 15-21 years old can join Pathways. This course combines life and social skills, sports and recreation, and community service to help students develop their whole selves. Topics include anger management, healthy relationships, violence, racial justice, community involvement, respect, success, teamwork, professionalism, and cooperation.