Alcott's After-School Care Program, the Wildcat Club, is run by Youth Guidance and administered on the school's site by Mr. Joel.

Born in Kalamazoo Michigan, and raised in Columbus, Indiana, Mr. Joel is a true Midwesterner at heart. Before coming to Chicago and working with Youth Guidance at Ravenswood Elementary in early 2008, Joel was at Purdue University working on his degree in Fine Arts, Metals, and Jewelry with a Dance minor. While at Purdue Joel worked with Student Access Transition and Success Programs as a member of the Student Orientation Committee, which produces one of the largest student-run, student-produced Orientation Programs in the nation, Boiler Gold Rush. While on the Orientation committee, he produced award-winning and nationally recognized parent and student publications that are still in circulation today as well as taking an active role in diversity and leadership education for 500 + student staff. Joel has developed an extensive background in leadership development and team building thanks to several years working for the YMCA at the Tecumseh Leadership Center, Camp Tecumseh, and the Flat Rock River YMCA Camp and Outdoor Center where he was awarded Male Counselor of the Year in 2003. "Working with students in an educational environment has always been a passion and joy. I am excited about the launch of our new Wildcat Club, but also ask for your patience as this program gets off the ground. There will no doubt be various hiccups as we get underway, but with your help we will be sailing to new and exciting places in no time!"

Joel Baughn

Community Resource Coordinator

Youth Guidance

Joel can be reached by phone at 312-404-3201 between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm or via email at jbaughn@youth-guidance.org.