The Chicago Youth Animator program is structured around the idea of empowering youth to facilitate change in their immediate environment.  To help accomplish this, the C-YA curriculum utilizes a multifaceted approach combining reading material, group activities, and community service projects.

The reading materials, which serve as the common denominator across C-YA programs, are part of the Junior Youth materials put out by Palabra Publications.  Developed in various parts of the world, this three book series is aimed at ages between 11-14.  The progressive curriculum draws on the power of spirituality to empower junior youth to make sound life decisions and bring about social change.

Group activities are an integral part of the C-YA curriculum.  Activities such as movie production, music, art, and sports help build the bond between facilitators and junior youth and draw out lessons from the reading material.

The community service activity is the culmination of the learning and efforts of the junior youth.  Its importance is stressed throughout the program, and planning is continuously underway.  Each semester, C-YA aims to empower the junior youth in the program to conceive of and carry out an act of service in their community.