Our Mission
Educating for Impact, Building Stronger Futures
At the Chicago Youth Advancement Initiative (CYAI), our mission is to foster a more equitable community by empowering inner-city youth through interactive educational programs and community support. Founded by three high school students at Benet Academy, CYAI collaborates with local youth centers to provide skills in areas such as computer science, financial literacy, robotics, and more. Through our programs and organized fundraisers, we strive to create opportunities, inspire growth, and build a brighter future for the next generation of Chicago's leaders. Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact and advancing the well-being of our community.
Established in 2024, CYAI has been instrumental in creating a positive impact with the support of our founders and contacts in the Chicago community. Our commitment lies in the unwavering passion and determination we bring to various projects. Join us in our journey to make a significant difference in the lives of youth in Chicago.
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Our Programs
As high schoolers, we understand what is engaging for students. This allows us to create better curricula, while fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Introducing the innovative world of computer science through hands-on robotics activities!
Computer science is a valuable career sector, extending beyond just coding. Pursuing it equips individuals with essential problem-solving skills, beneficial in many different situations. Our program covers key principles like conditionals, data types, and iteration through designing and building robots, fostering collaboration and practical experience. At CYAI, we aim to inspire students by combining straightforward computer science methods with practical robotics, encouraging them to pursue the field and ensure no potential is left untapped.
Seeking to provide valuable, real-world experiences to students and prepare them for financial and entrepreneurial success!
The mission of the Business and Entrepreneurship program is to empower marginalized youth by providing essential skills in business and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on experience in idea generation, product development, budgeting, and digital marketing, the program aims to inspire creativity, foster financial literacy, and build confidence in young entrepreneurs as they prepare for a culminating event where they can showcase and sell their products.