Education & Youth Development

Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation is dedicated to uplifting our community by addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by its residents. As a part of that mission, GAGDC partners with local schools, the City of Chicago, and youth development organizations to offer high-quality programming for young people and parents in the Auburn Gresham community.

Our Education & Youth Development staff are highly qualified, culturally competent, passionate, and energetic, managing a diverse array of enriching programs for youth across the community. From our Youth & Young Adult Council to afterschool and summer camp programs, GAGDC is dedicated to listening to the needs and voices of local youth, creating opportunities that foster growth, learning, and connection.

The Quality of Life Plan (QLP) identified the specific needs of young people in Auburn Gresham with the goal of a self-sustaining community where all residents, especially youth are supported holistically, empowered and challenged to be accountable for their futures, to develop their own resources and become lifelong learners. Our programs are designed to address those needs while promoting positive youth development.

Programs Include

  • Auburn Gresham Neighborhood Network: Education and Youth Development Task Force

  • My CHI My Future

  • Youth Network

  • PlayStreets!

  • Paving Pathways 

  • Youth and Young Adult Council

  • AG Gold Schools  

  • AG Gold Summer Camp

My Chi My Future

In the summer of 2023, GAGDC was honored to receive the designation of My Chi. My Future. (MCMF) Community Anchor Organization for the Auburn Gresham community. MCMF is a City of Chicago initiative designed to connect young people with a variety of engaging, safe, and youth-centered out-of-school time opportunities. This designation not only strengthens our youth and young adult initiatives but also helps us build meaningful connections with other organizations that share our commitment to serving youth.

As part of MCMF, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) supports 15 Community Anchor Organizations across the city. Through monthly convenings with local stakeholders, these Anchors collaborate to develop community plans that address the specific needs of youth in their respective regions.

As the Community Anchor for Auburn Gresham, we play a central role in supporting the local ecosystem by identifying and connecting key stakeholders, including organizations, community leaders, educators, and individuals engaged in youth development, mentorship, education, and support services. In doing so, we have established our Youth Network and Youth and Young Adult Council, empowering young leaders to drive our collective efforts toward a brighter future for the community.

Youth Network

Youth Network are monthly meetings to strengthen the strategies outlined in our plans by bringing together community members already engaged in youth development, such as teachers, mentors, and program leaders. These meetings provide a collaborative space to align efforts from the youth needs assessment  and address the needs of local youth. Each meeting includes time to:

●     Collaboratively Plan: Discuss shared objectives, strategies, and resources.

●     Assess Existing Supports: Identify current programs in the community and address any gaps.

●     Share Resources: Create an open platform for organizations to exchange resources and support each other's youth programming.

These gatherings offer a forum for participants to exchange ideas, push forward their initiatives, and build partnerships. They foster open dialogue and strengthen the support network for Auburn Gresham’s youth.

Youth and Young Adult Council

The Youth and Young Adult Council integrates Youth Voice and Choice into the My Chi My Future (MCMF) initiative by actively involving young people in the planning, execution, and evaluation of projects that address their needs. By engaging youth in these key stages, we ensure their perspectives guide the work. We also align stakeholders within the Youth Network to empower young people to continue taking an active role in their personal development and in shaping their community.

Special Events

  • The Ice Cream Social in Auburn Gresham happens at the end of summer to invite youth to enjoy a variety of ice cream flavors while connecting with other youth and youth-serving organizations in the community. This offers a chance to debrief from summer, share ideas, and learn more about the impactful work happening around Auburn Gresham and how to get involved. Don’t miss out on this sweet opportunity to meet new people and get inspired!

  • Fright Night was a spooky success, attracting over 200 participants for a night of thrills, chills, and fun! The event, planned and hosted entirely by youth for local residents ages 14-21, featured a haunted hallway, a killer music and dance party, exciting games, and a Halloween movie screening.

  • Thankstober is a holiday season event presented through a collaboration between the Youth Network and the Youth and Young Adult Council. It’s designed to align findings from the latest needs assessment with the services and resources offered by participating organizations. This gathering invites youth and their families to foster community connections over delicious food and great company, all while celebrating the remarkable talents of our youth and community schools ahead of the Thanksgiving break.

 

AG Gold Schools 

GAGDC collaborates with local schools to offer a variety of programs, including tutoring, mentoring, sports, culinary arts, healthy lifestyles, and performing arts, designed to support the academic and extracurricular needs of students. These programs are committed to providing additional resources and support to families in the Auburn Gresham community.

 

Participating schools include:

- Clara Barton Elementary School

- John W. Cook Academy

- Richard J. Oglesby Elementary School

- Westcott Elementary School

- Simeon Career Academy High School

AG Gold Summer Camp

The AG Gold Summer Camp offers an enriching, fun, and safe space for students in grades K–8. Campers engage in high-quality math and literacy instruction alongside a variety of recreational programs that cater to their interests. From STEM activities to culinary arts, dance, basketball, martial arts, and more, our summer programs help build self-esteem, develop social skills, and foster lasting friendships and memories.

Playstreets!

Play Streets transforms neighborhood streets into safe, supervised spaces for kids to play. By temporarily closing off streets, we create an environment where children can enjoy unstructured play and engage in games that promote physical activity, social interaction, and fun

Paving Pathways

Paving Pathways is a comprehensive initiative designed to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to:

Navigate the college application process with clarity and purpose.

Explore a range of educational and career paths, including traditional colleges, trade schools, and entrepreneurship.

Develop a vision for their future and acquire the skills necessary to achieve their goals.

Connect with advisors and mentors who provide valuable guidance and support.

Our program combines pre-tour workshops, post-tour follow-up, and a resource fair—all designed to make college and career exploration accessible, engaging, and inspiring for students.