AUGUST 2024
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Summer Empowerment
Summer empowerment came to a close on July 25th, rounding out another great year of preparing youth for their next chapter. The addition of our program for rising 6th graders this year has meant we have been able to reach youth before they enter the critical and formative years of middle school and provide the mentorship needed to step into 6th grade on day 1 with confidence and the support of a group of familiar faces.
RISING 6TH GRADERS
Weekly STEAM workshops led by the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry were the highlight of the program according to mentees. We learned about water quality, sound, forensic science, and catapults! Sound and forensic science were the crowd favorites.
Participants also expressed feeling more excited about middle school now that they had the opportunity to meet other students entering the 6th grade that they did not previously know.
Our field trips to the DuSable Museum and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry also allowed for students to learn more about African-American history and culture and see exhibits related to workshops throughout the program.
RISING 9TH GRADERS
Rising 9th graders enjoyed the “Finding Your Passion” workshop which helped them begin to think and work intentionally toward their goals. Participants were able to map out their short term goals for high school in order to create long term goals for post high school.
This group highlighted the field trips to OPRF High School and Dominican University as being their biggest or favorite moments. We are so proud of this group’s focus and dedication to preparing for success in high school and beyond.
All participants were also able to complete and present their final project: Vision Boards. Through this project participants went from shy and uncertain about the future to confident and accomplished. This feeling of accomplishment they were able to experience will help them have a sense of self efficacy when they face their next challenges.
COMMENCEMENT
Honoring & Ushering Forth a New Class of Summer Empowerment Mentees
YEMBA's commencement ceremony on July 25th featured our incredible 2024 Summer Empowerment Program participants, where they affirmed their goals for the upcoming school year while celebrating their achievements. There were eight 6th grade presenters and eleven 9th grade presenters. The room was packed with support from family, friends, and YEMBA stakeholders. As we stand with them in community, YEMBA will continue to look for opportunities to support our students in reaching their goals in tangible ways.
OUR LOCATION
Look Out for Our Updated Facade on Lake Street
The YEMBA office at 218 Lake Street provides a home base in the community for mentors and mentees to grow, evolve, and create paths to success — empowered and supported by a network of people who care and want to see them thrive. We are so thrilled to unveil our freshly painted building complete with new signage so you won’t be able to miss us when you drive down the village’s main thoroughfare. Inside, work is underway to create a high school tech hub and other flex spaces to facilitate empowerment and limitless possibilities for our youth.