Refer qualifying youth to the program by filling out a Back To Our Future Referral Form found here.

Youth will go through our referral process, where they will be confirmed as a qualified participant. From there, youth will be assigned to a partner organization according to their last known community area to begin outreach. Once located and contacted, the organization will work with the youth to obtain the proper consents to begin programming.

We will not be able to share personal information of participating students. We are in partnership with the University of Chicago who is providing evaluation of the program and its outcomes.

• Disconnected Youth 14-20 years old
• Disengaged from CPS for *18+ months or a history of chronic absenteeism (*varies by individual)
• Disconnected youth with involvement in the juvenile justice system
• Disconnected youth experiencing the effects of violence in their communities

Yes, this program is for youth that live in Chicago and became disconnected from a CPS school or an Options school. We understand the complexities of this youth population and can discuss on a case by case basis. Please e-mail your questions to Back2OurFuture@cps.edu.

Youth Advocate Programs - Englewood, Austin, Chicagolawn, Grand Crossing, New City, North Lawndale, Roseland, West Englewood, West Pullman, West Garfield Park, South Lawndale 

UCAN - West Garfield Park, Little Village, Roseland, Austin, North Lawndale, Humbolt Park, East Garfield Park, New City, South Lawndale 

Breakthrough - East Garfield Park

Back To Our Future officially launched Summer 2022. On-boarding for the program is ongoing.

The program is 9-12 months in duration. Youth will have to commit to working 20 hours per week for the first 12 weeks of the program for soft skills and job training. Ongoing time commitments will vary after the first 12 weeks.

Youth will be paid $15.40 per hour.