Skip to main content
African American Space Guild
Menu
    • External link opens in new tab or window
  • External link opens in new tab or window
  • External link opens in new tab or window

I-YEA PROGRAM


Innovative Youth Empowerment Apprenticeship Program

The I‑YEA Program is AASG’s signature youth workforce pathway, guiding young people from awareness to long‑term career placement through structured training, employer partnerships, and ongoing support. Built on the Gateway Model, I‑YEA prepares youth for high‑demand industries while helping employers build reliable talent pipelines.


The Gateway Model

AASG’s Gateway Model is a four‑stage pathway that supports youth from first exposure to career opportunities all the way through apprenticeship and employment.


1. Awareness


Youth explore careers, industries, and training opportunities through virtual navigation, coaching, and exposure activities.


Supports include:

  • Career exploration

  • Industry awareness sessions

  • Digital navigation

  • Interest mapping

  • Readiness assessments

Click to edit text. What do visitors to your website need to know about you and your business?



2. Training


Youth receive structured preparation to build the skills needed for apprenticeship success.


Supports include:

  • Training program referrals

  • Skill‑building workshops

  • Digital literacy support

  • Soft‑skills coaching

  • Documentation and enrollment assistance



3. Apprenticeship


Youth are placed with employer partners who provide hands‑on learning, mentorship, and real‑world experience.


Supports include:

  • Apprenticeship placement

  • On‑the‑job coaching

  • Employer communication support

  • Retention support

  • Warm handoffs to supervisors


4. Careers


Youth transition from apprenticeship into long‑term employment with continued support from AASG.


Supports include:

  • Job placement navigation

  • Resume and interview support

  • Employer follow‑up

  • Retention coaching

  • Career advancement planning



Industries Served


I‑YEA prepares youth for high‑demand, high‑growth fields:


  • Technology

  • Healthcare

  • Aviation

  • Trades

  • Logistics

  • Customer Service

  • Digital Careers


These industries were selected based on regional workforce needs, employer demand, and youth interest.


Youth Supports Throughout the Pathway


I‑YEA is youth‑centered and virtual‑first, providing:

  • One‑on‑one coaching

  • Documentation assistance

  • Training navigation

  • Apprenticeship coordination

  • Crisis stabilization support

  • Warm handoffs to partners

  • Retention and follow‑up


Youth never navigate the system alone — AASG stays with them from start to finish.


Employer Partnership


AASG serves as an apprenticeship intermediary, helping employers:

  • Access pre‑screened youth

  • Coordinate onboarding

  • Strengthen retention

  • Reduce administrative burden

  • Build long‑term talent pipelines


Employers can learn more on the Employer Partnership Page.


How Youth Enroll


Youth can join I‑YEA through:

  • Get Support (homepage button)

  • Refer a Family (homepage button)

  • School or community partner referrals

  • Contacting AASG directly


AASG responds quickly and provides virtual‑first support to meet youth where they are


Service Area

I‑YEA supports youth across:

  • Phoenix, IL

  • South Suburban Cook County

  • Surrounding communities

Column

Contact Us


External link opens in new tab or windowIllinois, United States, US, IL, External link opens in new tab or window7083312924, aasguild1@att.net

Column

Open Hours


Today
09:00 am - 06:00 pm
Column

Get In Touch


  • External link opens in new tab or windowTwitter
  • External link opens in new tab or windowLinkedIn
  • External link opens in new tab or windowPinterest
  • External link opens in new tab or windowInstagram
close lightbox