Options for Youth supports vulnerable adolescents in Chicago and helps them create positive options for their futures.

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Mission

Options for Youth’s mission is to expand opportunities for adolescents in underserved neighborhoods through programs that build upon the strengths and maximize the potential of each young person and help to break the cycle of poverty in their lives and communities. 

Supporting Chicago’s Vulnerable Youth

Through two intense programs, Options for Youth focuses on helping first-time adolescent mothers and adolescent male students make healthy lifestyle choices, become self-sufficient, and maximize their potential.

Your Summer Starts Here! 🌟
Chicago Youth Works Applications Are Open!

For youth ages 14–15, to gain real-world skills, explore careers, and earn this summer.

📅 June 22 – July 31
⏰ Up to 20 hours/week
💵 $80/week stipend

👉 Don’t Wait—Apply Today

Learn More

The Subsequent Pregnancy Program helps first-time adolescent mothers graduate from high school and become self-sufficient before deciding to have another child.

What’s Up with Manhood? helps young men growing up in Chicago’s most vulnerable neighborhoods think critically about “what it means to be a man” in their community.

For 20 years, OFY has worked with two of the most vulnerable populations of adolescents in under-resourced communities on the South and West sides of Chicago: teen mothers who have a baby before the age of 18 while still in high school and teenage boys growing up and going to school in underserved and dangerous neighborhoods.

Help us as we work to break the cycle of poverty in these young lives!

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