State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) congratulated Driven and Empowered Youth Inc. (DEY) Tuesday afternoon upon being selected to receive a state grant by the Illinois State Board of Education. “It’s important that we provide additional education and mentoring outlets to those kids that need it,” Delgado said. “These grants will ensure that our students and their families will have the resources they need to achieve in every aspect of life.”

In addition to the multiple programs they offer for students, DEY also provides services to parents as well. “Since its inception in 2008, DEY has provided over 2,500 high school students a safe-haven after school. The educational based programs are designed to empower students and families,” Kelly Cirino, Executive Director of DEY, said. “Through the 21st CCLC funding, DEY would continue to provide high schools with academic, S.T.E.A.M. and mentoring programs during the critical hours of 3p.m.-6p.m., Monday-Thursday.”

Currently, DEY maintains a presence in six Chicago public high schools, including Amundsen, Kelvyn Park, Foreman, Mather, Senn and Steinmetz.