The R.E.A.L. Youth Collective is a summer leadership program led by Sexpectations and Resilience that provides teens ages 14-18 with the confidence and skills to lead honest, informed conversations about relationships, sex, and safety in their communities. 

Over the course of 5 weeks, you will explore topics like healthy relationships and boundaries, consent, sexual violence, gender and sexuality, reproductive health, and the histories of the reproductive justice and anti-rape movement. The sessions will be fun, interactive, and youth-centered (we promise it won't feel like school). You will be compensated $50 per session you attend -- stipends will be given at the end of the program. 

At the end of the program, teens will have the opportunity to lead a breakout session at the Youth Pre-Conference for SisterSong's National Lets Talk About Sex conference.

All sessions will take place at the Austin Branch of the Chicago Public Library at 5615 W Race Ave, Chicago, IL 60644 on the following dates:

• Wednesday July 8, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Thursday July 9, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Wednesday July 15, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Thursday July 16, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Wednesday July 22, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Thursday July 23, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Wednesday July 29, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Thursday July 30, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Wednesday August 5, 2026 1pm-3pm

• Thursday August 6, 2026 LTAS Conference

Applications will run on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. The application will close on June 24th, 2026. All teens will be notified of a decision by June 30th, 2026. APPLY HERE!