MIGUEL DEL VALLE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Miguel del Valle Youth Development Center is the foundation of ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois. The purpose of the Center is to empower Latino youth by developing and nurturing their leadership, intellectual, cultural and social potential so that they may contribute their skills and dedication to the community. Youth have many options in academic enrichment, college counseling, financial aid assistance, leadership development, career counseling and internships. The Center has a state-of-the-art computer lab in a comfortable, safe haven for youth.
Youth are formally introduced to the “ASPIRA Process”, a process that teaches students to become aware of their current situation, to analyze its consequences, and to take action for change in their personal lives and the life of their community.
Message to Students:
The Youth Development Center is proud to service youth throughout the State of Illinois. The various programs offer each participant the opportunity to experience every available option in order to foster a fulfilling and productive life. Students visit college campuses and walk for social causes as they gain exposure and learn to become aware, analyze and take action on issues that affect family, community, and humanity as a whole.
The family is an integral part of student success. Working with the students, parents, schools and ASPIRA staff has proven to be an asset for all involved. Youth are the future. Therefore, ASPIRA provides the necessary tools and opportunities for growth and success.
Our doors are always open—we are here to serve you. I invite you to become familiar with our programs and to become involved in making a difference in your life and in your community.
Sincerely,
Ivette Nieves
Chief Youth Development Officer
Talent Search
Talent Search is one of the TRIO Federal Government Programs. The objective of this program is to encourage students in targeted high schools and elementary schools to stay in school, graduate, and pursue higher education. Talent Search Counselors provide academic counseling, college preparation, college trips, career orientation, financial aid and ACT preparation.
Health Careers Program
The purpose of this program is to increase the number of Latino and other minority youth entering the health professions field. Students in this program receive academic counseling, explore the world of health professions and spend time in medical schools and hospitals.
Public Policy Program
Latino students develop the skills to effectively participate in the policy-making process of the community. Students receive leadership orientation and development, community service experience, access to national scholarships, and local and national internships.
After-School Program
This program offers students an array of extracurricular activities to improve their social and academic skills in a conducive and safe environment. Tutoring helps students improve their report card grades and state assessment scores.
WIA Youth in Schools
This City of Chicago-sponsored, Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) Program provides services from leadership development to job preparation. The main goals are to increase student retention in schools, provide career orientation, assist with post-secondary school readiness and prepare for the ACT.
Leadership Development Institute
The Leadership Development Institute, also known as the ASPIRA Club, operates in 19 Chicago Public Schools. Students plan and implement club activities and conduct service projects in their school and community. Each year, over 300 students become lifelong “Aspirantes” through an annual induction ceremony.
Abstinence Program
The primary goal of the Abstinence Program is to promote the value of abstinence through learned alternative, positive behaviors. Workshops teach about intimate relationships, affects of early pregnancy /infection by STDs and alternatives to the pro-sex messages. Parents also learn how to be effective in communication with their child about sex and sexuality.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program promotes positive behaviors through strategies such as, classroom instruction, after-school program (ASPIRA Club), counseling, mentoring, parenting education and collaboration with community youth service providers to encourage students to make decisions and choose behaviors that prevent at-risk behaviors that lead to early pregnancy.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Miguel del Valle Youth Development Center
3909 W. Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
773-252-0970 Ext. 414
Fax: 773-770-1940
