…with campuses across the City!

Get to Know YCCS

At YCCS, we proudly represent the communities we serve—from Bronzeville and Humboldt Park to Chatham and Pilsen. Our commitment to diversity in education is more than a value—it’s our foundation. We were created to close skill gaps and ensure equitable learning opportunities across Chicago’s vibrant communities. YCCS is built for students who thrive through hands-on, flexible, and interest-driven learning. With 17 unique campuses, each offering a specialized focus—from DJing and audio production to urban agriculture—you’ll find programs that match your passion and fit your schedule.

At YCCS, we don't just teach; we meet you where you are and guide you to where you want to go.

The Why…

Chicago’s youth people, especially those aged 16-21, face mounting risks-crime, drug use, and lack of opportunity-without the right support. Historical inequities, resource shortages, and systemic barriers have created a gap that YCCS uniquely fills, providing not just education, but critical structure and purpose. Without YCCS, thousands of vulnerable youth would be left without pathways to success and stability.
For nearly three decades, YCCS has stepped in where traditional schools have fallen short, providing transformative support that goes beyond education. Over 27,000 graduates and 15 years as a top-performing charter school reflect YCCS's commitment to excellence and Chicago's underserved communities.
With 17 community-based campuses, YCCS is a vital support system, offering alternatives to dropout, job training, and reducing youth involvement in crime.
YCCS maintains a high performance status as recognized by CPS demonstrating demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and academic rigor.

…because every day you wait is a day of opportunity lost.

Your future success begins with the choices you make today, and there’s no better moment to take control of your path. Whether it’s earning your diploma, learning new skills, or finding a career you love, the steps you take now will shape the life you want tomorrow. At YCCS, we give you the tools, resources, and support to start building that future today.

Blended-Learning Programs…

Our programs are designed to give students the choices they need, such as flexibility in scheduling to allow for job and family responsibilities and a robust collection of course offerings to fulfill needed requirements. An individualized program is designed for each student by their campus. Due to varying skill levels and credit needs, no two students have the same learning plan.

A large part of YCCS’s program is providing students with non-academic support to help remove roadblocks that have prevented graduation. Therapy, mentoring, childcare and housing resources, and internships are made available, and an ongoing speaker series engages students in important conversations about improving their lives outside of school.

The Sky Is The Limit!

When the only place to go is up, YCCS is here to take you there! At our campuses, failure is not an option! We support your success by providing you with a host of support services, including career counseling, academic counseling, mentoring, social service referrals, tutoring, job referrals and internships, and Students in Transitional Living Situations (STLS) services.