Youth Empowerment Alliance

Youth Empowerment Alliance (YEA), includes a Pre-Apprenticeship Program and the North River Youth Council (NRYC), driven by a desire to prepare the youth for the workforce, connect them to local work opportunities, address career development needs, and address violence prevention by providing safe, guided mentored spaces for youth afterschool and on weekends.

The North River Commission Youth Council (NRYC) is a vibrant collective of young leaders committed to shaping the future of their neighborhoods through civic engagement, creative expression, and collaboration. Rooted in community empowerment, the council provides youth with a platform to voice their ideas, influence local change, and design initiatives that reflect the diverse culture and needs of the North Side. From hosting community events to advocating for neighborhood improvements, these youth aren't just preparing for leadership—they’re practicing it. The council builds confidence, strengthens community bonds, and reminds us all that the future is already here—and it’s actively organizing.

The NRYC exists to amplify youth voices and make real change at the neighborhood level. Through mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on community projects, the council empowers young people to become the driving force behind local transformation. It's more than a program—it's a movement where ideas turn into action and young leaders become catalysts for equity, safety, and opportunity. By showing up and speaking out, these youth are shaping a better, more inclusive future for all of us.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program (PAP) aims to promote upward mobility by empowering students and equipping them with the skills needed to pursue employment or further their education, ultimately advancing economic mobility and long-term success. This program is implemented in partnership with Digital Leaders Now, an organization striving to build professional and financial pathways in the technology sector in particular for under-resourced communities.

Currently implemented exclusively with Roosevelt High School, students in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program gain essential career development skills through this guided, mentored workforce development program. This program seeks to close the opportunity gap for low-income youth and students of color by building essential workforce skills, providing leadership training, and career exposure. The PAP offers training in soft and hard skills including professional communication, computer and financial literacy, resume writing, interview preparation, and more! Students also engage with local employers, explore technical skills and certifications, and gain insight into in-demand industries.