Youth Power
Our Mission

Youth Power

APTP has created transformative experiences with and for thousands of teens, primarily young people of color from immigrant families who have become members of our core Performing Ensemble or students in our APTP@School school-based programs. Teens in APTP’s Performing Ensemble expand the pathways that are realistically available to them and empower themselves to lead choice-filled lives. Supported by APTP’s college access and success program, APTP alumni complete college at rates four times higher than average in Chicago public schools: 60% of APTP alumni graduate college by the age of 25. How do we do this? Together, APTP teens and adults create a small, loving community that fosters agency, critical thinking and life-long learning - a community that nurtures a sense of mission and purpose; supports each teen with free mentoring, tutoring and a comprehensive college access and success program; and offers a network of exceptional alumni who serve as role models.