• CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 VOTER REGISTRATION CHALLENGE WINNERS
    CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 VOTER REGISTRATION CHALLENGE WINNERS
    1st place McKinley Lakeside Leadership Academy and 2nd place Progressive Leadership Academy winners had the highest registration and largest voter turnout.
  • THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!
    THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!
    We are especially grateful for the dedication and support you continue to provide to ensure YCCS students have access to a quality high school education.
  • FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
    FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
    CCA featured in Chicago Reporter
  • KNOW YOUR FUTURE
    KNOW YOUR FUTURE
    Experience college courses and job placement at the same time you're earning your high school diploma!
  • GET ON A PATHWAY
    GET ON A PATHWAY
    Discover multiple options for graduation designed to work with your individual learning needs.
  • USE YOUR VOICE
    USE YOUR VOICE
    Exercise your rights. Become exposed to a number of social issues that impact your community.

Welcome to YCCS

  • Youth Connection Charter School Graduation

    Who we are

    Youth Connection Charter School is a not-for-profit educational organization, partnering with non-profit community-based organizations who have served their neighborhoods for the past 40 years. We were the first charter in Chicago to take on the toughest challenge in urban education – re-engaging disconnected students ages 16-21 who were underserved by the current educational system. For over 20 years, our students have transformed their lives into opportunities to attend college, advance in meaningful careers and leaders in their communities and nation.

    Not Just a Second Chance... But a BETTER Chance!

    Campus Info

  • Students at a college fair

    Dual Credit and Enrollment

    Recognizing the many life challenges its students face, Youth Connection Charter School provides support beyond the conventional high school model, enhancing the likelihood that students will complete their high school education and successfully transition to post-secondary education and careers.

    View Our Courses

  • Multiple Pathways to Learning

    A core component of YCCS’s education program is the provision of multiple pathways to graduation.

    Multiple pathways ensure that each student has an opportunity to experience voice and choice to pursue their personalized learning program and supports academic and personal success.

      Multiple Pathways Include:
    1. 1.Traditional classroom based courses and classes
    2. 2.Learning Pathways
    3. 3.Applied Academics Courses
    4. 4.Extended Learning Options
    Learn More

  • Student Support Services

    Recognizing the many life challenges its students face, Youth Connection Charter School provides support beyond the conventional high school model, enhancing the likelihood that students will complete their high school education and successfully transition to post-secondary education and careers.

    Support services include –

    -Planning a career and preparing for jobs

    -Education on new knowledge and skills

    -Specialized support services

    -Child care, housing, health services, money management, etc.

    -Step by step guidance for getting back to work

    -Disability resources

    -Work incentives, self-employment, disability benefits and rights, etc.

    Learn More

AIM HIGH WITH US

Student Resources

We support you by addressing any
academic and non-academic issues
that prevent you from reaching your potential.

Health

The YCCS Community believes in providing the resources that our students need to continue on the path of learning. Health concerns all of us and we work hard to connect our students and bridge the gap and getting them access to the quality health care that they need.

Housing

YCCS is the largest charter in Chicago whose mission is to give our students a chance to create a positive life. A fundamental need is housing for many of our students. Through the work of our community resources, we are committed to finding housing solutions for the students who need them.

Child Care

We believe that child care is a necessity. Our network of resources can assist you in getting child care so you won't have to choose between caring for family and going to school.

Civic Engagement

Every year YCCS provides you with a unique, transformational educational experience by introducing a variety of civic engagement projects.

Our Mission

Youth Connection Charter School advocates, develops and provides world-class education to students at-risk and high school dropouts in collaboration with the alternative high school community.

YCCS meets the individual needs of students through programs committed to academic excellence, human development, cultural enrichment, and social equity.

YCCS prepares students for quality life experiences, technological literacy, graduation, vocational and post-secondary education, and competitive employment.