CircusTeens is CircEsteem’s youth employment program created in 2004. It provides opportunities for older students to become more involved with CircEsteem. It is an opportunity for them to gain work experience and save money for college while doing something they love. The CircusTeens are paid to mentor younger students, teach circus skills, perform and assist at HomeWork & CircusWork, Summer and Winter Camp, and on Saturdays with the Chicago Youth Circus. In order to be a CircusTeen, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, demonstrate a level of maturity and responsibility, be able to show mastery of specific circus skills, have a passion for performing and model positive behavior and leadership skills.
Kenia joined CircEsteem in 2009. Although she has recently joined she has quickly become friends with everyone, traveled with CircEsteem on tour and to the American Youth Circus festival. Her favorite skills are juggling, acrobatics, poi, trapeze and clowning. Kenia loves CircEsteem because she can be herself, learn and work on circus skills and be with her friends.