What is Katrell’s Creative Youth Center (KCYC)?

Katrell's Creative Youth Center (KCYC) empowers youth through mentorship, career exploration, leadership development, and hands-on learning experiences.

Through partnerships with schools, libraries, park districts, municipalities, businesses, and community organizations, we help young people discover their passions, develop practical skills, and build meaningful futures.

KCYC was built to help youth-serving organizations thrive and young people succeed.

Together, we're creating opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen organizations, and build thriving communities.

  • KCYC empowers youth, strengthens organizations, and builds thriving communities through education, mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on learning.

    We create opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, develop practical skills, explore career pathways, and gain meaningful real-world experiences. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, park districts, municipalities, businesses, and community organizations, we deliver programs that inspire growth and create lasting impact.

  • We envision a future where every young person has the opportunity to discover their purpose, reach their potential, and make a positive impact in their community.

    Our vision is to build stronger leaders, stronger organizations, and stronger communities through meaningful partnerships, innovative programming, and lifelong learning.

  • At KCYC, we prioritize working with everyone in the community. 100+ Youth Engaged

    We are proud to say that we have:

    25+ Programs & Workshops Facilitated

    10+ Community & Educational Partners

    5+ Years of Youth Development Experience

    Serving the Chicago Southland & Greater Chicago Area

KCYC creates opportunities for youth, professionals, and organizations through programs, mentorship, and community partnerships. Our programs are designed to be engaging, hands-on, and responsive to the needs of youth and community partners.

Our work focuses on five key areas:

  • Youth Career Development & Mentorship – Helping young people explore careers, build leadership skills, and gain real-world experience.

  • Programs & Workshops – Interactive educational experiences for schools, libraries, park districts, and community organizations.

  • Professional Development – Training educators, mentors, volunteers, and youth professionals through the Mentor & Interpretive Guide Academy.

  • Organizational Services – Supporting organizations with curriculum development, program design, consulting, and staff training.

  • Community Partnerships – Collaborating with local organizations to expand opportunities for youth and strengthen communities.

Explore Our Programs

Meet Katrell Folie

Katrell Folie is the Founder and Executive Director of Katrell's Creative Youth Center (KCYC), a youth development organization dedicated to empowering young people through mentorship, career exploration, leadership development, environmental education, and hands-on learning experiences.

Raised in the Chicago South Suburbs, Katrell experienced firsthand the challenges many young people face when trying to discover their passions and envision a meaningful future. After participating in a community-based youth program that provided mentorship, hands-on experiences, and career exploration, she discovered a passion for youth development and a desire to create those same opportunities for others.

"From a young age, I knew I wanted to create something bigger than myself—something that would empower people to dream boldly and take action. I saw how the lack of mentorship, career guidance, and meaningful opportunities limited the potential of so many young people. That realization became the foundation for everything I do today."

- Katrell Folie

Drawing on her experience in youth development, environmental education, and community engagement, Katrell founded KCYC to help young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and create meaningful pathways toward successful and fulfilling lives.

Today, KCYC partners with schools, libraries, park districts, municipalities, businesses, and community organizations to deliver youth programs, professional development, and organizational support that strengthen communities.

"KCYC is more than a program—it's a place where curiosity is encouraged, leadership is cultivated, and futures are built."

- Katrell Folie


  • Founder

    “Sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith and a network of supporters.”

FAQs

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FAQs *

What is the goal of KCYC?

KCYC exists to help young people discover their strengths, explore meaningful career pathways, and develop the confidence and skills needed for lifelong success. We accomplish this by partnering with organizations to create engaging educational experiences that strengthen communities.

Where are we located?

KCYC is proudly based in the Chicago Southland and serves communities throughout the greater Chicago area. We offer both in-person and virtual programming and partner with schools, libraries, park districts, forest preserves, municipalities, community organizations, and businesses to deliver engaging learning experiences.

Programs may be hosted at partner locations, outdoor spaces, schools, libraries, community centers, or other venues depending on the needs of each program. While our primary service area is the Chicago Southland—including communities such as Dolton, Markham, Calumet City, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Tinley Park, Bronzeville, and Roseland-Pullman—we are open to partnering with organizations throughout the region.

Who does KCYC serve?

KCYC serves youth, young adults, educators, mentors, and organizations committed to learning, leadership, and community impact. Our programs support young people as they build confidence, explore careers, and develop practical skills, while helping schools, libraries, park districts, municipalities, nonprofits, and other community organizations strengthen their youth programming.

What makes KCYC different?

At KCYC, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to youth development. Every young person has unique strengths, interests, and goals. This is why we focus on creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and prepare young people for their futures.

Our programs combine hands-on learning, mentorship, career exploration, and leadership development to help participants build confidence, discover their strengths, and prepare for the future.

What truly sets KCYC apart is our commitment to serving not only youth, but also the educators, mentors, and organizations that support them. Through professional development, organizational consulting, and customized programming, we help build stronger programs, stronger leaders, and stronger communities.

Start The Conversation!

Interested in collaborating or have more inquiries? Don't hold back—fill out your details, and we’ll get back to you in a flash.

Email: Katrellscreativeyouthcenter@gmail.com
Phone: (312)-767-8301

We can’t wait to connect with you!

To stay up to date with us on social media, follow our Instagram page @kcycforyouth