Our Core Values
The Principles That Power Our Mission
Youth Mentorship
We believe every young person deserves someone in their corner.
At Chicago Emerging Stars, we know every young person carries real potential. Sometimes they just need someone to help them see it. Our mentorship program connects youth with mentors who show up with care and consistency. These one-on-one relationships aren’t just about giving advice; they’re about building trust, offering steady support, and helping young people navigate what life brings. Whether it’s school stress, career goals, or personal challenges, our mentors are here to listen, guide, and walk with them step by step.
Career Readiness
We prepare youth for life, not just a job.
The world can feel overwhelming when you’re starting out, but we’re here to make sure young people feel ready for what’s next. Through career readiness workshops, we teach practical skills like resume building, interview prep, and networking. But we don’t stop there. We also help youth understand their strengths, explore possibilities, and build the confidence to pursue careers they once only imagined.
Community Connection and Empowerment
Strong communities grow from strong connections.
At Chicago Emerging Stars, we create spaces where young people can connect with their neighbors, build meaningful relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging. Our community engagement work centers collaboration, open dialogue, and shared purpose bringing youth, families, local leaders, and partners together. By strengthening relationships, we’re planting seeds for lasting change one connection at a time.
Leadership Development
Leaders aren’t born, they're built.
We give young people real chances to lead right now, whether through community projects, youth-driven events, or service opportunities. When they step up, they learn how to inspire others, solve problems, and make real impact. We’re not only preparing them to be future leaders, we're helping them recognize the leader they already are today.
Educational Support and College Readiness
Because every dream needs a foundation.
We believe education is one of the strongest tools a young person can carry. That’s why our programs offer hands-on academic support, tutoring, test prep, and personalized guidance through every step of the college process. From late-night study sessions to last-minute essay edits, we’re right there with them helping turn college from a dream into a clear, achievable plan.
Youth Empowerment
Confidence is the first step to change.
Our youth empowerment work is designed to uplift, inspire, and energize. Through experiences like back-to-school bashes, youth summits, and leadership retreats, we give young people more than a good time; we give them resources, mentorship, and spaces where they feel seen and celebrated. The goal is simple: help youth step into the world with pride, purpose, and power.
Want to see our values in action?
Click below to hear real stories from the youth, families, and communities we serve.