Hands-On Programs
& Employment
Our programs and services help students move forward in school and beyond. From academic support and counseling to career exploration and paid job training, we connect students with resources, guidance, and opportunities to build on their strengths and pursue their goals.
Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP)
The Illinois Youth Investment Program is more than a job, it is a year long pathway to stability, growth, and long term career success. Designed for Illinois residents ages 16 to 24, IYIP addresses the real barriers young people face while supporting their physical, emotional, social, and mental well being. Participants receive up to 52 weeks of paid employment at $15 per hour for 20 hours per week, along with the guidance and support needed to build confidence, workplace skills, and sustainable career momentum. IYIP invests in the whole person so youth can secure employment and step into self sufficiency with strength and purpose.
Chicago Youth Works
(CYW)
One Summer Chicago is now called Chicago Youth Works, a dynamic opportunity for young people ages 16 to 24 to earn, learn, and grow during the summer and beyond. Open to City of Chicago residents, the program provides paid employment at $16.60 per hour for 20 hours per week, paired with hands on workforce readiness training, financial literacy, professional etiquette coaching, and communication and conflict resolution skills. Participants gain real world experience, build resumes, and develop the confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce. CYW turns summer into a launchpad for long-term opportunity and career advancement.
Build Skills. Get Paid
IHS connects students with paid job training opportunities to gain practical experience while earning an income. Participants explore career interests, develop workplace skills, and build confidence as they prepare for their next steps.
Youth Scholar Skills
& Service (YS3)
The Youth Scholars Skills & Service (YS3) program provides specialized mentorship and life transition support to youth involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and those without a high school diploma or GED. Through a structured approach that combines academic support, GED preparation, workforce development, mentorship and independent living skills training. Our handpicked mentors even guide participants toward stability and self-reliance. The program emphasizes practical life competencies such as financial literacy, housing readiness, and career planning, ensuring that vulnerable youth are equipped to transition successfully into independent adulthood.
Re-Enrolled Student
Project (RSP)
The Re-Enrolled Student Project (RSP) provides targeted mentorship and re-engagement support to youth who have previously disconnected from school and are returning to complete their education. In partnership with ASN member schools and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), this program pairs students with dedicated mentors who address barriers such as academic gaps and inconsistent attendance. Through individualized success plans, ongoing academic coaching, and consistent accountability, RSP ensures that re-enrolled students return to the classroom and remain engaged, recover credits, and successfully progress toward graduation and post-secondary pathways.
At IHS, we learn to earn…
Real Careers. Real Earning Potential. Real Impact.
At CIRCLE Foundation, workforce development is more than job placement, it is about preparing young people for lifelong success. We equip youth and young adults with the practical skills, professional mindset, and real world experience they need to thrive in today’s competitive workforce.
Our programs combine hands on training, career exploration, mentorship, and paid work experience to ensure participants do not just get jobs, they build careers. We recognize that employment barriers often extend beyond job skills. That is why our model includes supportive services that address social, emotional, and practical challenges. From mentorship to resource navigation, we ensure young people are supported every step of the way.
Professional Development & Industry Exposure
Participants receive comprehensive workforce preparation designed to equip them for real world success. Training includes resume building and interview coaching, workplace communication and professional etiquette, financial literacy and money management, conflict resolution and leadership development, as well as time management and workplace accountability.
Our approach goes beyond technical skills. We intentionally blend skill building with character development because long term success requires both competence and confidence. By strengthening mindset, professionalism, and personal responsibility, we prepare participants not just for their first job, but for sustainable career growth.
Mentorship & Support
Compass
Counseling
The Compass Counseling Program delivers trauma-informed mentorship and therapeutic support services to Title XX-eligible youth, focusing on social adjustment, emotional wellness, and behavioral rehabilitation. Through a combination of individual and group counseling, mentors and clinical staff work collaboratively to help youth process trauma, develop coping strategies, and build positive relationships. By integrating social-emotional learning with personalized guidance and crisis support, Compass empowers participants to stabilize their lives, improve decision-making, and achieve long-term personal and social success.
Youth Experiencing
Success (YES)
The Youth Experiencing Success (YES) program is a comprehensive, school-based mentorship model serving youth ages 16–21 who require alternative and individualized education pathways. Through intensive one-on-one mentoring, participants receive academic guidance, workforce readiness training, and life skills development tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Mentors act as consistent support systems, helping youth navigate educational challenges while building confidence, employability, and decision-making skills, ultimately positioning them for successful graduation, employment, and long-term self-sufficiency.