Chicago's youth can shine if they get the right support

We've heard a lot about the challenges facing Chicago youth. Homelessness, literacy problems and violence are among them. The issues and statistics are sobering, yet new research shows Chicago youth can be resilient if they get the help they need.

For the second straight year, A Better Chicago partnered with the Global Strategy Group to survey hundreds of young people citywide. Youth ages 10-24 provided opinions on a number of pressing issues, including mental health, education and violence. The goal was to learn from them directly about the challenges they face and the supports they need to thrive.

Notably, nearly all youth surveyed (94%) cite mental health concerns as a problem experienced by people their age. Over half (53%) have never received mental health services, and among those who have not, a third wish they had but likely did not because of access barriers. Troublingly, nearly two thirds (63%) report they have witnessed community violence, most often in the form of fights, shootings, and other violent crimes. Even more alarming, almost a quarter (23%) say they witness violence weekly, with Black males and Hispanic females experiencing it the most.

Using the insights gained from the data, what can advocates, policymakers and community members do to better support Chicago’s youth?

First, we need to ensure they have access to community-based programming, which has clear positive impacts. Youth who participate in community programs are 9 percentage points more likely to be very optimistic about their future (65%), compared to those who do not participate in these programs (56%). Additionally, they are more likely to plan to pursue a four-year degree after high school (62%) compared to those not active in community-based programs (44%). Further, they believe remaining active in these programs deters peers from engaging in violence or becoming its target. Critically, youth of all ages and races overwhelmingly desire more community programs focusing on a wide range of skills, and they want additional access to programs available after school and over weekends.

Second, youth see a need for initiatives that provide skills training, internships and job opportunities. According to data from the University of Illinois Chicago's Great Cities Institute, jobless rates among Chicago teens ages 16-19 are higher than the national average (80% compared to 67%) and are even higher for Black teens. To combat this problem, youth express the need for access to programs that help them secure scholarships, apply for colleges, and build professional social skills. They want their schools to focus more on social and emotional curricula, and they want to learn more about budgeting, investing money and starting their own businesses.

Last, we need to double down on investments that enhance learning proficiency and boost high school and college enrollment. Especially important is the need for robust tutoring programs and college access organizations. Additionally, investments in housing stability, mental health services and restorative justice programs are crucial for maintaining youth engagement with their educational environment and as a violence prevention strategy.

Overall, the data is clear: Chicago youth have a strong understanding of what they need to thrive in the challenging world they face. With highly targeted, evidence-backed investments, their outlooks will only grow brighter.

Our young people are optimistic about their futures. It’s on us to ensure they have every tool at their disposal to succeed.

Beth Swanson is CEO of A Better Chicago.

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