Training/Volunteering
Department of Psychology

Youth Connections is a program dedicated to helping high school students obtain their diplomas and to enter the workforce or higher education after graduation. Sponsored by Pyramid Partnership, Inc., Youth Connections serves eligible high school students between the ages of 16 and 18. Program activities fall under the categories of academic support, job readiness training, job placement, life skills, supportive services and field trips.  Below are some examples of activities: Academic Support: tutoring, essay writing and research assistance, time management and study skills workshops, ACT preparation;  Job Readiness: how to complete job applications and create resumes, mock interviewing, introduction to work ethics; Job Placement: Participants are given job referrals that match their current skill set and experience. Pyramid staff has direct relationships with employers. Life Skills: goal setting workshops, career exploration/planning, financial planning, discussion groups on topics such as peer pressure and positive self-esteem, leadership development, anti-drug and violence prevention workshops. Field Trips: Some examples of past field trips are: the Museum of Contemporary Art, Northern Illinois University, Gallery 37, the DuSable Museum of African American History, Art Institute of Chicago, Dance Africa, Broadway in Chicago, Architectural Boat Tour, Chicago Cultural Center. Supportive Services: Assistance with bus fare, academics and housing, counseling and other needs as identified on a case-to-case basis. Pyramid has a large network of agencies and community based organizations that we have linkages with in the event that a participant’s supportive services needs cannot be met directly through our organization.  For seniors, priority is put on goals and plans post-graduation. Assistance with the college application process, essay writing and financial aid paperwork are just some examples of how we assist.  For further information about the Youth Connections program please contact Kristina Gosh at 773-975-9898, x30 or kgosh@pyramid-pci.com.  Youth Connections is funded by the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development.

College of Arts and Sciences