Youth Guidance

Youth Guidance is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to providing school-based social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health services to at-risk youth. Established in 1924, the organization specializes in evidence-based interventions, most notably the Becoming a Man (BAM) and Working At Gaining Skills (WAGS) programs. These initiatives focus on counseling, mentoring, and violence prevention to help students navigate trauma and achieve academic success. Youth Guidance operates in partnership with public school districts across several major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Boston, and Dallas. The organization's approach integrates clinical social work with educational support to foster long-term behavioral change and emotional resilience.