Designed to develop youth in the areas of academics, life skills, civic engagement and creative expression, the Indo-American Center’s Youth Program provides a range of enrichment activities that help nurture and develop youth ages 6-18. An after school program, a Summer Fun camp, and a Spring Teen Cricket League give youth opportunities throughout the year to participate in positive play while promoting learning. Unlike many area programs, all IAC youth programs are free for participants.

After School Program

The Indo-American Center’s After School Program meets Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm during the school year, typically serving youth between 6 and 12 years of age. Three components of the program – academic assistance, recreational time, and physical fitness activities – promote positive youth development and overall wellness. After a healthy 3pm meal provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, students participate in thirty minutes of physical fitness activities, one hour of homework, and one hour of structured recreation. The day-to-day assistance and monitoring of homework completion helps to increase overall academic performance, while the recreational and fitness aspects help to promote youth fitness, health, and teamwork skills in a positive environment.

Summer Fun Camp

The Indo-American Center’s Summer Fun Camp runs Monday through Thursday afternoons during the summer months for youth ages 6-12. The Camp promotes physical fitness and healthy eating through organized recreational activities and free, healthy meals. Students in the program also participate in several field trips throughout the summer to local cultural and educational institutions in Chicago.

The Summer Fun Camp also gives local teens in the community opportunities to participate in summer internships that expose them to the youth development field. Interns, who facilitate and lead all summer camp activities, are able to acquire specific and marketable skills in youth development while learning the value of public service and community engagement.

Summer Childcare

During the summer, Youth program staff provides childcare from 10am- 12 noon for children of students enrolled in Civics and Literacy classes. Because of this service, adult students who might otherwise need to stop their education during the summer months can continue to attend class while their children are out of school.

Teen Cricket League

The Indo-American Center’s teen cricket league operates Sundays from 9:00am-6:00pm in the spring months. Open to Chicago Public School students between the ages of 14 and 18, the program is intended to expose youth to the traditional South Asian sport of cricket, while promoting diversity and meeting recreational needs in the West Ridge neighborhood. Teams of 15 play regular matches at Warren Park.

Hours

After School Program: Monday – Friday, 3:00pm-6:00pm during the school year
Summer Fun Camp: Monday – Thursday, 1:00pm-5:00pm during the summer months
Early Childcare: Monday – Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm during the summer months
Teen Cricket League: Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm during the spring

All programs require registration. Please contact the Youth Department at (773) 973-4444, ext. 112 to register.