History
For over twenty years, our Summer Quarters (for young men) and Summer Jam (for young women) programs helped Chicago youth step out of their urban environments and build experiences and relationships that nourished their hope for a better future. For many we witnessed these seeds of hope become a reality. When our program partner was no longer able to help sponsor these events, we reflected on the positive impact of these programs and on the continued needs of the youth we serve, and we determined our mission must continue on.
After months of research, interviews, and thoughtful discussion, we developed a new mentoring and scholarship program that launched in the Fall of 2015. This new program continued and expanded on many of the successful components of Summer Quarters and Summer Jam including: close mentorship with positive role models, trips for the youth to the Utah/Idaho area to experience campus life at BYU Provo or BYU Idaho, cultural events, the teaching of life skills, and opportunities to build faith. In addition, the program offered year-round contact with college mentors who helped the youth develop a thorough college preparation plan. These mentors served as role models for careers, family life, and community service. Our mentorship curriculum focused on improving academic functioning, experiencing the value of work, and expanding awareness and appreciation of self, others, and the opportunities beyond a youth’s home and neighborhood. Those who successfully participated in the mentoring program were, and continue to be, eligible for scholarship resources.
Despite the many successes of the mentoring program, the Board determined that ICYCF would need to restructure its program in order to remain economically and operationally viable. Announced at the beginning of 2020, a decision was made to discontinue the direct mentoring portion of the program and focus on maintaining the scholarship program to support the ICYCF youth who are counting on this funding now, and in the future, to make college attendance attainable. The full announcement can be read here.
As we continue to help and work with these amazing youth, we invite you to join with us. Together, we can help them realize their full potential and support turning their dreams into reality.