IYIP Pathways
IYIP Pathways · Youth Employment & Career Development (ART Inc)
ART Inc IYIP Pathways is our youth employment initiative for ages 16–24, inspired by the Illinois Youth Investment Program model. We serve at-risk and opportunity youth by pairing paid work experience with wraparound supports—addressing barriers and building the skills needed to secure and sustain long-term, career-track employment.
Through partnerships with local employers, training providers, and colleges, young people receive individualized case management, employment readiness training, and work-based learning placements aligned to high-demand industries. Our team focuses on the whole person—physical, emotional, social, and mental health needs—so participants can thrive at work and in life.
Program tracks we operate or coordinate: Category I short-term/summer work experiences (aiming for ~180 hours and Essential Employability Skills); Category II targeted long-term employment and youth apprenticeships; Category III career development linked to industry credentials and apprenticeships; and Category IV expansion of new industry-linked training opportunities with employer partners. Availability may vary by cohort and funding cycle.
Who Can Participate
ART Inc serves Illinois residents ages 16–24 who face barriers to employment (for example: low income, academic challenges/truancy, justice or DCFS system involvement, disability, homelessness, single-parent household, prior suspensions/expulsions, lack of work experience, and other risk factors). Eligibility and documentation requirements follow current grant guidelines.
What participants receive: job search and interview prep; resume and application support; workplace professionalism; Essential Employability Skills coaching; transportation/work gear assistance when available; social-emotional supports; individualized case plans; and connections to education, apprenticeships, certifications, and unsubsidized employment.
More information
Employment Readiness & EES: Illinois workNet Employment 101, Career Cluster Inventory, and on-the-job professional skills assessments to document growth.
Support Services: transportation, childcare, work clothes/tools, and referrals to health, housing, and legal resources when available.
Education & Credentials: tutoring, advising, testing/licensure fees, and industry-recognized credentials tied to local career clusters (availability varies).
Career Plans & Case Management: individualized, goal-based plans that connect short-term steps to long-term employment in high-demand sectors.