The Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) empowers young people to overcome critical barriers to academic, career, and life success through time-tested and innovative mentoring, college preparation, and workforce readiness programs. CYC is committed to breaking down barriers in young people's lives, that’s why we need your support! With your help, CYC can serve more young people, helping them to reach their full potential.
Across the United States, one in three young people will reach the age of 19 without a mentor to help them navigate life’s challenges and prepare for their future. The lack of strong adult role models and educational support services often results in disengagement from school and failure to graduate, ultimately leading to long-term struggles into adulthood. That’s where CYC comes in
CYC has been committed to increasing Greater Cincinnati high school graduation rates for over 35 years by collaborating with schools, businesses, and volunteers throughout the community. The numbers speak for themselves:
- CYC has served more than 180,000 students since its founding in 1988
- CYC’s programs have an average graduation rate of 95% (10% higher than regional averages)
- Students in 4 area school districts are supported by CYC
- Over 1,200 volunteers support CYC’s work each year with their time and talents
- More than 4,000 young people were served across CYC programs in the 2022-2023 school year
Our program offerings are diverse, intended to meet young people where they are, and provide unique support to meet their individual needs:
The Mentoring Program matches caring adults with students aged four to eighteen. CYC’s one-to-one and group mentoring programs help improve self-esteem and interpersonal relationships and encourage school attendance while cultivating post-secondary pursuits and ultimately helping students obtain employment. Programs include Saturday Hoops, UC Med Mentors, Girls Clubs, PNC Scholars and One-to-One Mentors.
College and Career Success support for junior high, high school, and first-year college students includes test preparation, financial aid application, scholarships, college visits, career exploration, and 12-month follow-up services to ensure successful post-graduation transition.
Work Readiness programming provides employability skills and career exploration through classroom experiences, leadership development, and summer work opportunities.