Youth Programs at GPLXC
Centro Cultural
2711 W. 51 st Street
GPLXC intentionally structures youth programs around helping young people contextualize their lived experiences, supporting them in developing agency, and funding projects they organize to address issues they care about. Our youth programs are free and offer a physical space for youth to rest and exist without the constant fear of being policed or punished. Our hope is for youth to experience educational opportunities, build friendships, and see themselves as knowledge creators who can be change-makers in their communities and beyond.
Estrellitas Escolares
Estrellitas Escolares is our after school program for youth ages 5-12 offering students the opportunity for individual tutoring, homework support and group art making twice a week during the school year.
Pequeños Soñadores
Pequeños Soñadores is a summer art club for youth ages 7 to 10 years old that runs from June to August. Youth are exposed to new art forms and provided the materials and creative space to engage in art projects at no cost to their parents/guardians. Through the span of 8 weeks, youth build friendships, partake in collaborative activities, and learn to express their creativity, thoughts, and perspectives using art.
Queer Riot
Queer Riot is a program for high-school aged youth interested in learning about the history of LGBTQIA+ activism in the United States. The program focuses on the experiences and organizing efforts of QTBIPOC from 1890 to 1990. Queer Riot equips youth with knowledge and skills, while providing a physical space for youth to put their knowledge into practice through organizing youth led events and projects. This initiative centers young people as knowledge creators and contributors who are being trusted to leave their imprint on Chicago’s history.
GPLXC Archive
GPLXC Archive is a program for high school aged students interested in museum and archival studies. GPLXC is aware that much of our community’s histories and cultural practices have been erased and shaped by colonialism, migration, and displacement. However, our community’s histories exist and survive by being shared from one generation to the next. In this program, young people will learn the skills and knowledge to collect and archive oral stories.
Sembrando Futuros
Sembrando Futuros is GPLXC’s commitment to environmental issues that affect our community health. Environmental racism, a lack of green spaces and over industrialization have led us to create multiple community and school gardens across Gage Park over the years. Offering youth ages 5-18 the opportunity to learn about urban gardening, mutual aid and environmental issues.
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One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to supporting community programs and initiatives on the southwest side of Chicago. As a small grassroots organization every dollar has a grand impact on our work.