YOUTH PROGRAM
About the Greencorps Chicago Youth Program
The Greencorps Chicago Youth Program (GCYP) is a dynamic and scalable experiential learning program designed to empower urban youth with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to build positive relationships with their peers, community and natural world.
Transformative Program Goals
- Youth Empowerment and Identity Development: Increase sense of identity and agency to self, community, and the natural world.
- Civic & Community Engagement: Empower youth to engage positively in their community and daily civic life.
- Skill Acquisition and Career Exploration: Increase exposure to and awareness of environmental careers and opportunities.
GCYP: SEED
Planting ideas. Sparking growth.
This year we are launching a pilot program model called GCYP: Seed.
GCYP: Seed brings together environmental learning, career discovery, and community impact in a powerful, three-part summer experience for youth. Through guided activities in bike safety, urban horticulture, and local ecosystem restoration, students gain new tools to care for themselves, their neighborhoods, and the planet. The program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and connection setting youth on a path toward life-long civic and environmental engagement.
3-Part Experiential Learning Series
Kickoff Connection
Youth explore urban biodiversity and careers within the green sector through engaging activities and conversation.
Horticulture Service Learning
Youth get their hands dirty planting at an urban farm or garden, mulching trees at a local park, or participating in ecological restoration efforts.
Safe City Cycling & Bike Distribution
Youth build bike safety and maintenance skills, gaining the confidence to ride—and earning them a free bike!
Enrich your Summer Youth Program
GCYP is looking for established youth groups that would like to have GCYP facilitate our 3-workshop series with their youth. This is a great opportunity to expand your youth’s exposure and experience this summer.
- Serve youth ages 14-19
- Have 1+ Group of 15-25 youth
- Schedule 3 workshops between June and July
- 1+ Staff member present and supporting youth during each workshop GCYP facilitates