Helping Youth Reach their Goals

   Through    opportunities that    incorporate    technology, improve    leadership skills and    provide support    systems, YSP helps    youth thrive.

   Find out how YSP’s    e-Business training    course and Sisters    United, a mentoring    program that    empowers young    women, facilitate    success!

Success Stories Jermaine Johnson Jermaine (JJ) Johnson grew up on Chicago's west side. He attended Kelvyn Park High School where he dropped out after losing focus during his freshman year. JJ came to YSP because he heard that it was a place where youth could get job training and also record music in their professional recording studio. JJ began attending the GED classes in order to pass it and make himself more employable. "I knew that I didn't have many options for a career when I came to YSP and I found myself here." JJ became an integral part of the culture at YSP and began an internship in the Music and Art Shop. His responsibilities included preparing the shop for monthly talent shows as well as being the Emcee for all youth-led events.. JJ has since graduated from the GED class and went on to receive his General Education Diploma. JJ is still a vital part of the YSP family as he is a current student in BizTek, our accelerated e-Business program for youth. JJ is now looking for a career in youth development as a youth pastor, as he is extremely active in his local church. JJ is now preparing himself to impact other youth, as he was impacted by the staff and volunteers at YSP. JJ is looking forward to enrolling in college this Fall as he takes the next steps in the development of his career. Lizet Sanchez Born and raised in Chicago by Mexican parents, Lizet Sanchez is a dedicated young person who continually has been striving to reach her goals. In 2001, she graduated in the top 10 of her class from Orr High School with a 3.8 grade point average. Currently, Lizet attends Southern Illinois University where she majors in the Administration of Justice and takes many classes in psychology. She has made the Dean's list for the past three semesters. As a teenager growing up on the West side, Lizet was no stranger to YSP. For three years, she participated in Sisters United, a youth development program for young Latinas and African-American women. She was also one of the first participants to work, and later intern, at YSP's Universal Music and Art Shop. Furthermore, Lizet was active in the Youth Leadership Council and tutored younger children at YSP after school. By writing a Girls and Gold proposal, YSP was the recipient of a $500 grant.