One Summer Chicago: What to know about youth jobs program, how to apply

CHICAGO (WGN) — Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday kicked off the city’s summer youth jobs program.

“One Summer Chicago” is a partnership with government, private and non-profit employers to provide paid opportunities and life-skills development to young people between 14 and 24 years old.

Officials aim for the program this year to fill nearly 29,000 paid positions citywide, an increase of 1,000 from last year when roughly 51,000 people applied.

“After two consecutive years of expanded youth employment, I am proud to announce that we are aiming to give one thousand more young people a paycheck and a purpose this summer through One Summer Chicago,” the mayor said in a written statement. “We believe in our young people and we want to see them thrive.” 

On the campaign trail, candidate Johnson vowed to double the size of the program. He’s increased it while in office, but it’s still short of the 31,552 Chicago employed in 2019. The program last year employed 27,793.

As the mayor tries to grow the program, he’s connecting it to his community safety efforts.

“There’s a direct correlation between communities that have W2s and safe environments,” he said. “The safest cities in America all have one thing in common: they invest in people, and we’re already seeing the return on the investments.”

The city directly employs 183 young people, 70 of whom are part of the Laborer’s Trainees Program where they’re assigned to Streets and Sanitation.

“Though the work might be physically demanding, I find fulfilment in knowing that my efforts make a real difference in people’s daily lives,” said Darion Wiley, a trainee who attended the kick-off at Uplift Community High School in Uptown and was among several who shared their experiences.

Those aged 16-24 will be asked to work 20 hours per week and make nearly $17 per hour. Teens aged 14 and 15, who aren’t old enough to work, can participate in a career exploration program and receive a weekly stipend.

Applications are now available on OneSummerChicago.org, with the deadline for submissions set for May 30.

Those selected will begin their jobs on June 23 and end August 1.