Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts Education, Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Cultural & Ethnic Awareness, Theater

Mission: CircEsteem unites youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and builds self-esteem through the practice and performance of circus arts.

Results: With a 100% graduation rate from high school CircEsteem participants have received over $500,000 in college scholarships. CircEsteem provides dollar for dollar matching funds for participants saving money for college. To date CircEsteem youth have saved over $15,000 for their educational futures. CircEsteem has doubled their savings in addition to providing college scholarships.

Target demographics: youth gain self-esteem through the practice of circus arts

Direct beneficiaries per year: 1000

Geographic areas served: Chicago

Programs: 1.HomeWork & Circus Work is our after school tutoring program that works with youth 3 days a week combining homework help with circus activities. 2.Saturday circus classes happen for youth Saturday mornings from 8 AM to 1 PM throughout the school year. Come take Silks, Trapeze, Lyra, Tight-rope Walking, Trampoline, Tumbling, Chinese Pole and much more! 3.CircEsteem Summer Camp is a safe, fun, and supportive environment where campers can come and learn all the circus skills 7 weeks out of the summer. 4.We love to do outreach in schools. Invite us to your school where we can teach an after school program every week or a gym class workshop. OR you can bring your school to our location for a field trip!5.Birthday Parties! Celebrate your birthday at CircEsteem! 6.Invite us to your event where we can host workshops for your guests.