Y.O.U.’s Work Study Program

Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) is a leading youth services agency that is based in Evanston, Illinois. We provide a holistic set of services: afterschool and summer learning programs, mental health counseling, mentorship, and street outreach. The work-study position offers undergraduate students an opportunity to learn best-practices in youth development and to prepare for a career in youth and family services, education, or the non-profit sector. Y.O.U. work-study students will serve as workshop leaders and academic support for after-school programs at one of Y.O.U.’s elementary, middle, high school, or neighborhood locations in Evanston or Niles Township.  Work-study students receive guidance and feedback from staff members in order to develop their leadership skills, enhance their understanding of youth development, and build their non-profit management skills.

Primary responsibilities of work-study students include:

  • Helping lead workshops on social and emotional enrichment and life skills
  • Developing, implementing and facilitating academic, cultural, artistic and recreational enrichment activities
  • Delivering small group instruction and homework help
  • Engaging youth in meaningful service learning projects
  • Building positive relationships with youth that support their success and well-being
  • Aiding youth in building healthy positive relationships with each other, adults, and their families

Individuals chosen for this extraordinary opportunity must:

  • Be available to work at least two days per week Monday-Friday between the hours of 2:30PM – 6:30pm during the school year.
  • Demonstrate academic integrity and work ethic.
  • Provide proof of work study eligibility.
  • Submit to a background check

Students with previous work experience with youth and bilingualism are highly considered.

The work-study position requires a commitment of 2-3 afterschool program days per week and pays a rate of $11/hour, unless otherwise determined by a Financial Aid Department.  

For questions, contact Becky Moore at bmoore@youthopportunity.org or 847-866-1200 ext. 233.

"This will be my third year working at Y.O.U., and I love it! I'm studying education, and working with the kids at Y.O.U. has taught me first hand many of the skills I will need to teach effectively. I've gotten to work with some truly amazing young people, and I feel privileged to have been involved in their lives. I would recommend this job to anyone who can be flexible, who has a good sense of humor, and who likes to hang out with awesome kids!"

— Northwestern University SESP '16 Work Study

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"What makes working at Y.O.U. unique is that you are doing something that not just anyone can do. You have to think about what is going to motivate the students to do their best. Designing and running enrichment group activities is similar to running an event or planning a schedule for a group of people, which what many people will have to do in their future, whether or not they pursue education or non-profit. It teaches you organization, planning, and communication skills that are beneficial to any career. You are also motivated to do the best work you can because you see on a daily basis how much the students appreciate it. So far, working at Y.O.U. has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference in the community."

—Megana A. Northwestern University '17 Work Study

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