Chicago Youth Programs Names New Executive Director 

Jeffrey Campbell, a nonprofit leader with more than 10 years’ experience, was named Executive Director of Chicago Youth Programs, a longstanding and comprehensive youth development organization headquartered in the Washington Park community, that serves 650 youth annually.

Previously, Campbell was the Program Director for Youth Advocate Program Inc. in Peoria, which provides direct advocacy services, support services and mentorship for youth involved with the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to the CYP family and look forward to his extensive experience helping us continue our very important mission of improving the health and life opportunities of at-risk youth,” said Mark Arshonsky, President of the Chicago Youth Programs Board of Directors.

Campbell received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Capella University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of Juvenile Justice and the Black Education Advocacy Coalition, and he is on the Ministerial Team of New Life Christian Church in Peoria.

“I’m excited and honored to be a part of this amazing organization and to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of individuals… I look forward to leading CYP in achieving the next level of service to the Chicagoland area and beyond. I believe we are positioned to become one of the most premier and relevant social service organizations in the country! I look forward to 2022 being an amazing and pivotal year for CYP”, said Campbell.

CYP’s overall goal is for each child to complete the education they need to escape poverty and the associated health and social risks. They aim to serve youth as early as possible, preferably by age three, and keep them engaged as they prepare to enter high school and eventually the secondary education of their choice. Additionally, they provide a strong holistic foundation for their long-term success and help youth avoid gang involvement, drug and underage alcohol use, and other unhealthy choices. Programs fall within five houses that collectively make up CYP’s Community of Care: academic success, mentoring, social-emotional learning, health and wellness, and arts and culture.

CYP serves approximately 650 youth annually. On average, 77 percent of CYP youth are placed into higher education compared to less than 10 percent of their peers, with at least 60 percent completing college/trade school. Over the past six years, 100 percent of youth have completed high school, and, of these graduates, 98 percent have gone on to higher education.