Introspect Youth Services, Inc. offers stimulating activities, programs and services to young people grades six through 12 designed to enhance their development, broaden their horizons, and increase their confidence in their ability to succeed.
Our Vision
We envision a flourishing community of young people able to explore their interests, pursue their goals, and expand their capacity to actively participate as global citizens.
Our Values
Through our programs and mentorship, instill the 5 “C” values of:
- Commitment
- Consciousness
- Compassion
- Concern
- Caring
History
Introspect Youth Services, Inc. (IYS) was organized by leaders of the West Garfield Community’s Explorer Post 9712 (Post 9712) to respond to a growing demand for academic advisement and counseling from its youth membership.
Early in 1973, Post 9712 leaders began conducting college information seminars, financial aid workshops, and sponsoring college campus visits for its young members. As its members approached graduation, the Post’s leaders expanded their advising services to include post-secondary education options.
This guidance led a number of Post 9712 members to enroll in post-secondary educational institutions. It also attracted more members as young people seeking help with career exploration and post-secondary education enrollment joined Explorer Post 9712.
In June 1975, IYS was organized to respond to this growing need. Initially, the fledgling program was housed in the Garfield Park Mental Health Center.
By the time the Center closed in October 1977, IYS had evolved into a community-based agency providing education and employment services to youth from low-income families. In December 1977, IYS opened its first office and continued providing those services to the broader community.
Since its founding in 1975, Introspect Youth Services, Inc. has helped more than 50,000 young people—primarily residents of Chicago’s westside—enroll in post-secondary institutions throughout the country.
