our impact

building community.

CYS programs have brought together over 10,000 students, representing communities and schools across the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.

empowering students.

100% of CYS Ensemble and Summer Shakes students graduate high school, and 99% go on to attend college. Check out The Bard & the Brain for a closer look at the effects of Shakespeare on academic achievement.

changing lives.

100% of students surveyed agree that CYS has made a positive impact on their lives! But don't just take our word for it. Read testimonials from actual CYS students, families, and audience members.

Chicago Youth Shakespeare’s impact on the community reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

CYS guarantees need-based scholarships for all of our fee based programs, ensuring that students of all income levels can participate.

To date, CYS has granted over $95,000 in scholarships, and 56% of program participants have paid zero or reduced program fees.

Additionally, CYS covers the cost of transportation and provides meals, snacks, supplies, and other forms of support to participants as needed.

CYS program participants represent 73% of Chicago’s neighborhoods, as well as 23 suburban communities and several communities located outside the of state of Illinois.

CYS holds its Shakespeare performances workshops, classes, and special events in spaces that are ADA compliant, easily accessible by public transit, and located in neighborhoods throughout the city.

CYS also sets aside free tickets to our Shakespeare productions, ensuring that students and audience members of all income levels can access our performances.

60% of CYS audience members have been under the age of 18, and CPS students represent nearly half of our total audience base.

CYS In-Schools programs have impacted 3000+ K-12 students across the city and suburbs.

Over 60% of CYS In-Schools programs have taken place in Chicago Public Schools.