Northwestern YIP 2014

This was Northwestern University’s first year hosting YIP for at-risk boys from Evanston and local metropolitan areas with the goal to help reduce youth violence, develop life skills, and provide access to one of the nation’s premier universities. Boys in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades from Evanston, North Lawndale, and Chicago were able to take part in a two-week student-athlete program that replicates the complete academic and athletic day-to-day experience of a Northwestern University student-athlete.

Twenty-three student-athletes from the current Northwestern football team served as coaches and mentors for the participants. The program combined the YIP curriculum and elements of a leadership curriculum extracted from one used by the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in the Chicago region. The football plan was developed by the Northwestern football coaching staff, and through it all, the students were taught to lead and follow principles that are effective on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

The Northwestern YIP was supported by Benefitdecisions, American Children’s Fund, the Chicago Bear’s Bear Care foundation, World Sport Chicago, and individual private donations.

Northwestern University was founded in 1850. Since that time, Northwestern has grown into a premier research institution with three campuses and a dozen schools. How does Northwestern contribute to the global society and local communities? Its international programs and community service opportunities benefit students, faculty, and staff, and make an impact on the world.

Northwestern YIP 2014