The 22nd Youth Leadership Award - WATCH THE FULL PROGRAM

Last year, due to COVID-19, we transformed our in-person gala into a virtual event to ensure the safety and health of our supporters. The virtual Youth Leadership Awards Hour of Power allows us to continue forward in our effort to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our young people.

This year we are proud to award scholarships to seven exceptional young leaders from UCANs programming. We will also recognize a distinguished business and civic leader with the John D. Nichols Impact award. This year David J. Vitale will present the award to John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments in recognition of his positive impact on youth and families in Chicago.

Founded 152 years ago, UCAN has grown into a multifaceted social service organization impacting over 21,000 youth and families each year. UCAN's vision,youth who have suffered trauma can become our future leaders, is realized through our focus on compassionate healing, education and empowerment which offers youth a sense of opportunity and hope for the future. We believe that inspiring young people will help to break cycles of violence, abuse and neglect and help them become advocates for change in their communities.

During these uncertain times, UCAN continues to provide essential services to communities in need. Our therapists are hosting virtual sessions, our residential programs are still providing shelter, and our Violence Interrupters are still in the streets reducing gun violence.

To become a sponsor please contact UCANs Director of Development, Gwendalyn Carver by emailing gwendalyn.carver@ucanchicago.org or 773.290.5082.