We work with youth who are navigating real-life challenges while seeking opportunities for growth and stability. Many of our students are at a critical stage where guidance, consistency, and exposure to career pathways can make a lasting difference. 

Our students are: 

• Motivated but often under-resourced 

• In need of mentorship, structure, and encouragement 

• Exploring their identity, goals, and future direction 

• Seeking opportunities for employment and personal growth 

We meet them where they are—helping them build confidence, develop professional skills, and recognize their potential beyond their current circumstances.

Youth Peace Center of Roseland is a workforce development and mentorship program focused on empowering young people and strengthening pathways to long-term success. Through weekly engagement, we provide structured support that blends career readiness, personal development, and real-world guidance. 

We host up to 15 students each week in a consistent, supportive environment where they receive hands-on learning, mentorship, and access to opportunities that prepare them for the workforce. Each session is intentionally designed with a curriculum that focuses on job readiness skills such as communication, professionalism, goal setting, and career exploration. 

Our approach is relationship-driven. We create a safe space where young people feel seen, supported, and motivated to grow. From sharing meals together to facilitating meaningful conversations, every interaction is designed to build trust, confidence, and direction.

A key part of our work is building strong, intentional partnerships that expand opportunities for the youth we serve. 

Our collaboration with Excel Academy began as a pilot program and has since grown into an extended partnership based on trust, consistency, and impact. Through this partnership, we

provide weekly on-site programming, mentorship, and workforce development support directly to Excel students. 

What started as a short-term engagement has evolved into an ongoing opportunity to: 

• Mentor and guide students consistently 

• Deliver structured workforce development programming 

• Build relationships that support long-term growth 

This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting youth in their environments and working collaboratively with schools and organizations to create meaningful change.

Want to be a youth leader in Roseland?

• Develop leadership skills

• Participate in Community Service and Advocacy

• Be a mentor to other youth

• Help end violence in our community

Join us every Thursday, 3 - 5PM
(Free food & beverages, community service hours, and make a positive impact)

For High School Students
(Freshmen - Seniors)

Building Positive Relationships and Emotional Support
Join our male youth group designed to help young men form positive relationships, gain emotional support, mentorship, and navigate through life with school, work, and social relationships.

Youth will meet weekly with:

• Employment specialist

• Case Manager

• Male Mentor

• Life Planning

Meet weekly for:

• Discussions and networking

• Guidance and support

Job Readiness Training is a vital component of our efforts to prepare youth for successful careers. This program focuses on equipping participants with essential skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, workplace etiquette, communication, and time management.

Through hands-on activities, mock interviews, and real-world scenarios, youth gain the confidence and competence needed to navigate the job market effectively. Additionally, the training emphasizes professional behavior, soft skills development, and an understanding of workplace expectations, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to secure and maintain meaningful employment.

Our goal is to empower youth with the tools they need to thrive in any work environment and lay a strong foundation for their future careers.

Our Trade Skills Training program is designed to provide youth with hands-on, industry-recognized skills that open doors to sustainable careers in various trades. Whether participants are interested in construction, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, or other skilled trades, our program offers specialized training tailored to meet industry standards and workforce demands.

Participants receive practical instruction from experienced instructors, combining classroom learning with on-the-job practice to ensure they gain real-world experience. The program also includes certifications that enhance employability and demonstrate proficiency in specific trade skills.

In addition to technical training, participants develop important soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, safety awareness, and time management, which are essential for long-term success in the trades. Our goal is to empower youth with marketable skills, boost their confidence, and prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce or further vocational education.

By providing accessible, high-quality trade training, we aim to support workforce development and create pathways to stable, well-paying careers for young people in our community.

Our Job Placement services are dedicated to connecting youth with meaningful employment opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and career goals. We work closely with local employers, industry partners, and community organizations to identify available positions and match participants with suitable jobs in various fields, including trades, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and more.

Our team provides personalized support throughout the placement process, including resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies to ensure participants are prepared and confident. We also offer ongoing follow-up and mentorship to help youth succeed in their new roles, address challenges, and build a strong work ethic.

The goal of our Job Placement program is to facilitate smooth transitions into the workforce, promote long-term employment stability, and foster independence. By creating strong connections between youth and local employers, we help young people gain valuable experience, earn income, and lay the foundation for a successful career trajectory.

As a core element of the Illinois Youth Employment Program (IYIP), personalized coaching plays a crucial role in empowering youth to reach their full potential. Our dedicated coaches work closely with participants to provide ongoing guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their training, job search, and employment journey.

Coaches assess each youth’s strengths, interests, and goals to develop individualized action plans. They offer mentorship, help set achievable milestones, and provide practical advice on navigating challenges in the workplace and training environments. Through regular check-ins, coaching sessions focus on building confidence, improving soft skills such as communication and professionalism, and addressing any barriers that may hinder success.

Our goal is to foster a supportive relationship that motivates youth, enhances their skills, and prepares them for sustainable employment. By providing tailored coaching, we ensure that each participant has the resources, encouragement, and accountability needed to succeed in their career path and achieve long-term economic independence.