Program to create Chicago jobs

Posted on May 31, 2018

An established program is working to create more Chicago jobs for youth.

One Summer Chicago application period has been extended to May 28, 2018. The program will offer an additional 1,000 jobs this season allowing the City to provide internships to 32,000 youth over the summer months. Interested youth should visit www.onesummerchicago.org to apply.

“One Summer Chicago provides more than a job. It’s a first paycheck, a first line on a resume, a first mentor and provides a path for future success,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “This is a unique opportunity to develop skills outside the classroom and I want to remind all families that it’s not too late to apply.”

The 2018 One Summer Chicago program will run July 2 through August 10 and serve youth ages 14-24. Opportunities range from infrastructure jobs and camp counselors; to urban agriculture and outdoor forestry projects; to office work and private sector experience.

New to OSC this year is CHICAGOBILITY, a program model for younger youth ages 14 -15.

CHICAGOBILITY is a foundational track into career exploration, self-discovery and self-awareness, which allows youth to develop their skills for employment. The youth will design and deliver a six-week program, guided by a curriculum, with a focus on the following areas: community contribution, beautification and sustainability and/or safety through youth-driven projects. Youth will participate for 15-20 hours per week for six weeks in activities that strengthen their community, build civic engagement and create safe neighborhoods.

Returning programs include One Summer Chicago Plus and the Summer Youth Employment Program.

One Summer Chicago Plus is a specialized violence prevention summer workforce program for high-need youth, ages 16 – 21, who reside in the highest risk communities. Recruited worksites will provide youth with a safe, well-defined experience that allows them to gain valuable work readiness skills.

Last summer, the University of Chicago Urban Labs study found by providing a summer job, through the One Summer Chicago Plus program reduced the number of violent-crime arrests for participants by 33 percent over the subsequent year.