AUGUST 2026
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Summer in review with SEP!
What a summer it has been! Our SEP students spent the past several weeks learning, growing, exploring, and building connections through hands-on activities and meaningful experiences. From visiting the DuSable Black History Museum, to playing pickleball with our Rising 6th and 9th graders, and preparing their vision boards for Commencement, our students made memories while developing the confidence and skills to take on their next chapter. We look forward to seeing the places they will go!
We are incredibly grateful to all of our summer partners who helped make SEP memorable. A special thank you to Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church and Kinfolk CoLab for welcoming us into their space and supporting our programming and commencement celebration. We would also like to thank our partners: the Oak Park Tennis & Fitness Centre, Mr. O’Brien for our STEM workshops, Byline Bank, and Spilt Milk Pastry! Your partnership helped create a meaningful and supportive summer experience for our youth, and we are so grateful!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Our FREE Mentoring Empowerment Program is BACK! The program takes place afterschool at Brooks & Julian Middle Schools. Students join mentors, junior mentors, and staff for one-on-one & group mentoring, financial literacy, life-skills workshops, exploration workshops, and recreational activities. Snacks are provided.
Visit our Programs page to register today!
We are also accepting applications for our Mentoring Empowerment Training! We are seeking high school students looking to develop leadership and mentoring skills. Students have the opportunity to support and empower middle school students as junior mentors while still receiving support and empowerment from adult mentors. This is a paid opportunity. *Juniors & seniors preferred.
Visit our Programs page to apply!
EVENT RECAP
🎳We Had a Ball at Hillside Bowl!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Family Bowling Fundraiser! We had an amazing time bowling, laughing, and connecting with our YEMBA community while supporting opportunities for our youth. We can’t wait for you to join us at our next event!
UPCOMING EVENTS
This September 11th, YEMBA is proud to join LemonAid and return as a charity partner as they celebrate 25 years of turning lemonade stands into meaningful support for charitable organizations.
Learn more about LemonAid here
and join us on Friday, September 11, 3pm - 7pm, on the 700 Block of Bonnie Brae for an evening of community and family fun!
✨ It’s Almost Here! Our YEMBA Gala returns on Thursday, November 5, 2026! ✨
We're excited to celebrate our honorees and another year of empowering youth with our amazing community. Check out all the details, like our list of honorees HERE!
Questions about sponsoring a table or purchasing an individual ticket? Email yemba@yemba-inc.org for more info!
