Youth Optimizing Data Advocacy (YODA) Program

The YODA (Youth Optimizing Data Advocacy) Program assists West Side youth with valuable career-building skills, such as research, communication skills, data collection & data analysis, and visualization skills. The yocane collects valuable information, such as data about the businesses and organizations in Chicago's communities. At the end of the program, the scholars can present their research and recommendations to researchers, policy-makers, elected officials, and other professionals in the form of a video at local symposiums.

Connecting scholars to technical skills and professional development resources amplifies the youth's access to career opportunities within a field of choice. Scholars connecting to developmental resources also allow the youth to become a pillar within their community; ultimately, Residents and their peers become connected to developmental resources trade opportunities, developmental workshops, and wellness activities, such as meditation, gardening, and violence prevention.

The 2023 YODA program was in partnership with MapsCorps, NorthWestern University & Amazon.