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Why Support YLA

Donate to

YLA

At YLA, we serve Elgin community students on their journey into college and the post-college world.  100% of our cadets come from families of low income, and 93% of our cadets are people of color with about 85% 1st generation college students.

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And above all, 100% of our cadets are living the YLA motto:

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"I AM on the path to success.

I AM college-bound."

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These are the words that our cadets thrive by as they work hard in our YLA program to become scholars and leaders in the community.  During their six years in the program, each of our cadets complete a minimum of 360 leadership training hours.  They exercise their leadership skills through service learning projects every year, making a positive difference in Elgin and nearby communities.  And after they graduate from our program, our cadets continue to use the skills, experience, and know-how they have developed in their next endeavors, in college and beyond. 

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Help us raise the next generation of YLA scholars and leaders.  If you believe that the color of a child's skin should not be a barrier to being a community leader, join us. 

 

If you believe that the contents of one's wallet should not close the door to college education, support us. 

 

If you believe that all children deserve the chance to reach their full potential, walk with us.  

 

Only through your generosity can our program continue to exist and grow, and to prepare our young people for the future.

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Show your support today, and be a YLA Hero!

#YLAHero

Donate now!

Donate now

Please select a giving level:

$15: 1 hour of

mentorship

for a cadet

$100: 1 year of

supplies for a service learning project

$30: 1 hour of leadership training for a cadet

$300: 
1/2 the amount for a field trip for 
25 cadets to tour a regional college or university

$50: 1 hour of professional tutoring for a cadet

General Donations

Other ways to support us

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There are many ways that you can become a part of the YLA team:

  • Become a donor, sponsor, or partner of the YLA

  • Become a member of the YLA's staff or board

  • Volunteer

  • When you shop Amazon, use AmazonSmile.  Check Youth leadership Academy as your donation organization

If you are interested in participating in any way, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Other ways

THANK YOU!

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Al’s Café

Andy’s Frozen Custard

Arabica Café

Beef Villa

Blue Box Café

Café Roma

Chicago Bears

Chicago Fire Club

Chicago White Sox

Chick-fil-A

City of Elgin Parks & Recreation Dept

Edible Arrangement

Elgin Historical Society

Elgin Public House

Epic Air

Ernie Hudson

Fat Cat Custom Guitars

Friends of YLA

Golf Club of Illinois

Hemmens Cultural Center

Jimmy’s Charhouse

Key West Car Wash & Detail

Legacy Trax

Lincoln Ave Barbershop

Locs by Dom

Lucid Salon

Marcus Theatres

McAlister’s Deli

Meadows Dental Care

MOD Pizza

Q Nails

Randall’s Pancake House & Restaurant

Rediscover Records

Side Street Studio Art

Siefit

Starbucks

Tropical Smoothie Café

Vern’s Tavern

Viator Coffee

Woofbeach

https://www.letsroam.com - Scavenger Hunts by Let’s Roam

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YLA is sincerely grateful to all of our donors who contributed their time, goods, and services to make this event possible.  Please show your support by patronizing our donors!

Thank you so much! 

Extravaganza Donors 2023

Grantors 2023

  • Judson Community College

  • Grand Victoria Foundation

  • Kiwanis of Elgin

  • Ross Stores

  • YMCA

 

 

​Sponsorships 2023

  • City Of Elgin

  • Starship Travel

  • Vern's Tavern

  • City of Elgin Human Relations Commission

  • StateFarm- David Im

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