Investment in program to create Chicago youth jobs

Posted on March 2, 2015

Inner City Youth Empowerment, LLC will invest $10 million over two years in the City of Chicago’s summer employment violence prevention program, One Summer Chicago Plus (OSC+), a move that will bolster Chicago youth jobs.

The contributed funds will provide 5,000 employment opportunities for Chicago’s youth, tripling the size of the program and adding to the City’s existing $6 million commitment over the same period.

One Summer Chicago Plus, which was launched by Mayor Emanuel in 2012, connects youth who are at a higher risk for violence involvement with a 25-hour per week summer job, a mentor, cognitive behavioral therapy and social skill building.

A comprehensive, peer-reviewed study published earlier this year showed that this unique program significantly reduced violence and juvenile delinquency for at least 16 months after the program ended.

Last year, the City employed 1,000 youth through its OSC+ program. Beginning this summer, the program will expand to serve 2,000 youth in 2015 and 3,000 youth in 2016.

“One Summer Chicago Plus provides employment opportunities for our youth who need it most,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The City of Chicago, with the support of our community and business partners, remains committed to reducing violence in our city. Through this generous grant, more youth will stay safe, active and engaged this summer while getting the skills and on-the-job training necessary for a bright future.”

Mayor Emanuel has made consistent, significant investments to provide summer jobs for youth and reduce violence in the city. In order to reach those most at risk of involvement in violence, OSC+ participants are drawn from high schools located in high crime areas. OSC+ focuses on youth enrolled in Chicago Public Schools between the ages of 16 and 19 years old that have missed 6-8 weeks of school or have been directly involved in the juvenile justice system.