Program creates summer jobs in Chicago
Posted on June 3, 2016
A new investment will create more summer jobs in Chicago.
More than 3,000 additional youth jobs will be offered under his One Summer Chicago youth employment initiative thanks to an investment by Emerson Collective. The expansion, which comes days before the May 22 application deadline, means the program will offer a record 30,000 jobs this summer – more than double the number of summer jobs the city offered when Mayor Emanuel took office.
“In returning to Chicago, it was important to me to find ways to give back and help our City’s youth to learn real and applicable skills that will lead them to jobs,” said Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education and managing partner at Emerson Collective. “The Mayor’s One Summer Chicago program is built on the promise that if you provide young people with real skills to make a difference, that they will make better choices tomorrow. By providing these jobs to our youth, they will help to make a difference in their communities today and in the city of Chicago for years to come.”
Growing the program each year is a priority for Mayor Emanuel, due to the strong demand by thousands of youth each year to become engaged and employed. One Summer Chicago 2016 has added new opportunities for youth ages 14-24 to contribute their skills and talents to Chicago’s vibrant communities. Opportunities are available in many industry areas, ranging from urban agriculture and outdoor forestry projects to bike repair and office and clerical work.
The program has also diversified with First Lady Amy Rule’s support to secure new employment partners this year. These partnerships include the Chicago Cubs, Hyatt and Navy Pier—which have collectively added over 100 youth opportunities this year.
“Summer is just around the corner, and with a record 30,000 job opportunities, we will help youth earn a paycheck and as they realize their full potential,” said Mayor Emanuel. “One Summer Chicago is built on the premise of our city stepping up for our children when they need us most, and its success is tied to the support we lend to make our youth stronger. I want to thank Emerson Collective, as well as our other partners, for stepping up to help Chicago’s youth connect with meaningful work opportunities that will keep them safe and engaged this summer.”
This investment will support an expansion of One Summer Chicago, creating additional employment and internship opportunities with lead employers After School Matters, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Parks Department. This newfound investment brings the total in private funding supporting the program this year to around $17 million.