YOUTH SERVICES > PROGRAMS & SERVICES
OPTYS is committed to serving youth and continually evaluates the
emerging and most pressing needs of youth in our community. Each year
committee members review programs and budget allocations to assure
that tax dollars are spent on the best programs reaching as many youth
as possible. Through our many efforts, we touch the lives of over
15,000 youth and their families each year.
Contractual Youth Services
OPTYS engages in a variety of activities and services directly impacting
youth and their families. The most important aspect of our work is
contracting with agencies, organizations, institutions, as well as
parent and youth groups for programs that address specific need areas.
Contractual Youth Services represents the largest percentage of our
budget. Annually we contract with more than twenty agencies, providing
over fifty educational, recreational and vocational programs. Read
more to find Contract Request Guidelines, a Contract Request Form
and Contract Budget Form.
Read more...
Program Management
Our work with organizations involves Program Management. We supervise,
monitor, and evaluate programs to ensure high quality programs for
youth.
2008/09 Financial Assistance Scholarship request
Financial Assistance Scholarships (FAS) provide Oak Park area youth
the opportunity to participate in activities and/or programs they are
financially unable to access. Please click on the links below to read our FAS
guidelines and download an application.
The application must be completed by a referral source other than the youth's
family, and the income verification form must have the signature of the
youth's parent or guardian.
Application Form (Word Document)
Guidelines for Scholarship (Word Document)
Income Verification Form (Word Document)
Youth Advocacy Council
To strengthen the voice of youth in Oak Park, OPTYS formed the Youth
Advocacy Council. Fully supported and funded by OPTYS, YAC provides
opportunities for young men and women (grades 7-12) to help plan,
promote, and run local youth programs and activities.
Read more...
