One Summer Chicago: Empowering Youth

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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One Summer Chicago: A Path to Opportunity

One Summer Chicago, often called OSC, stands as a vital program connecting young people in Chicago with meaningful work experiences. This initiative specifically targets youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 24, offering them employment and internship opportunities across the city. It is a powerful example of how communities can invest in their future generations, providing safe and productive ways for young people to spend their summer months (onesummerchicago.org).

The program brings together a diverse group of partners, including government institutions, community-based organizations, and various companies. This collaborative effort ensures a wide range of opportunities are available, catering to different interests and skill levels. For many young Black Chicagoans, these opportunities are more than just summer jobs; they are foundational steps toward career development and economic empowerment (onesummerchicago.org).

Expanding Youth Employment in Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson has made expanding youth employment a significant promise to the people of Chicago. This commitment reflects a broader understanding that providing young people with productive activities and job skills contributes to safer communities and brighter futures. The One Summer Chicago program is a direct fulfillment of this promise, aiming to significantly increase the number of youth employed each summer (newsone.com).

The program has set an ambitious goal, projecting 29,000 hires, which represents a 40 percent expansion in summer youth employment. This expansion is especially crucial for communities that have historically faced economic disparities, offering tangible pathways to success for thousands of young people. In 2023, a significant portion of the participants, 64 percent, were Black youth, highlighting the program’s impact within the African American community (cbsnews.com).

Tailored Opportunities for Youth

One Summer Chicago offers various tiers of employment opportunities, each carefully designed to meet the needs of different age groups and developmental stages. This tiered approach ensures that young people receive support and experiences appropriate for their journey into the workforce. For instance, the Chicagobility program provides summer learning opportunities specifically for 14- and 15-year-olds (newsone.com).

Chicagobility is an internship pilot program that focuses on project-based skill-building experiences. This distinct approach offers early career exposure and skill development for younger participants (blockclubchicago.org). The Summer Youth Employment Program, known as SYEP, supports career exploration and job placements for youth aged 16 to 24. SYEP is a six-week program that provides job placement or specialized training opportunities, helping participants build pathways to long-term success (newsone.com).

Another important component is the Safe Spaces for Youth Program. This initiative employs young people in community-based roles where they plan and host peer-led events throughout the year (newsone.com). As part of the “My CHI. My future.” community initiative, this program funds organizations to hire youth within their own communities, empowering them to create safe and engaging environments for their peers (chicago.gov). For young people seeking full-time, year-round employment, the Chicago Youth Service Corps is available. This program is designed for teens and young adults aged 16 to 24, emphasizing civic leadership and community involvement (newsone.com).

Collaborations and Practicalities

One Summer Chicago thrives on strong partnerships. The program collaborates with a wide array of city departments, local organizations, and institutions to create a rich tapestry of employment opportunities. These collaborators include well-known entities such as After School Matters, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, and the Chicago Park District (newsone.com).

These partnerships are essential for investing in the future of Chicago’s youth. Most positions offered through OSC provide 20 to 25 hours of work per week, allowing young people to gain valuable experience without overwhelming their summer schedules. An added benefit is that a work permit is not required for participants aged 16 and up, simplifying the process for many young adults seeking employment (newsone.com).

Navigating the Application Process

The application and selection process for One Summer Chicago can vary, depending on the specific program and the partnering agency involved. Some opportunities might require interviews or specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that participants are a good fit for specialized roles. Other opportunities may use a random lottery system for selection, providing an equitable chance for all eligible applicants (newsone.com).

Applicants are typically notified in May or June if they have been invited for an interview, giving them time to prepare. Eligible applicants who are not offered an initial interview are placed on a waitlist, keeping their options open for future consideration (onesummerchicago.org). The Summer Youth Employment Program, in particular, targets individuals who may need additional support, including those attending elementary and high schools who require targeted or intensive assistance. It also supports individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, and justice-involved individuals, such as those on parole or probation (chicago.gov).

Supporting Vulnerable Youth

One Summer Chicago is committed to providing support for young people facing specific challenges. This focus ensures that the program reaches those who can benefit most from structured employment and mentorship. The program actively targets individuals who attend elementary and high schools and need targeted or intensive support, helping them build foundational skills and confidence (chicago.gov).

Furthermore, the program extends its reach to individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, offering a stable environment and income during the summer months. Justice-involved individuals, including those on parole or probation, are also eligible to receive support, providing them with an opportunity to reintegrate into the community through positive work experiences (chicago.gov). These efforts underscore the program’s dedication to equity and opportunity for all Chicago youth.

Impact and Future Aspirations

The Summer Youth Employment Program aims to provide valuable work experiences and support career pathway development for its participants. While summer jobs programs do not always translate into higher rates of long-term employment, the focus of OSC is on building essential skills and connections that can serve as a foundation for future success (chicago.gov). Participants can earn digital badges as evidence of their achievements, signaling their readiness for the workforce. These badges serve as verifiable credentials for the skills and accomplishments gained through the program, which can be presented to potential employers (chicago.gov).

In 2023, 64 percent of the 25,000 young people employed in the program were Black, demonstrating the program’s significant reach within the African American community (cbsnews.com). This strong representation highlights the program’s role in addressing economic disparities and providing opportunities where they are most needed. Information regarding how One Summer Chicago evaluates the success of its programs, including the specific metrics used to measure impact on participants and the community, is not detailed. Similarly, strategies in place to ensure the sustainability of One Summer Chicago beyond current funding cycles or political administrations are not explicitly outlined.

Community Engagement and Youth Leadership

One Summer Chicago engages with local communities through its network of provider agencies. These agencies play a crucial role in matching participants with summer jobs based on the community area or neighborhood where they live (onesummerchicago.org). This localized approach helps ensure that the programs are tailored to meet specific community needs and challenges, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance among participants.

The Safe Spaces for Youth Program further exemplifies this community-driven approach by funding organizations to hire young people within their communities. These youth are then empowered to plan and host year-round events for their peers, directly contributing to their neighborhoods (chicago.gov). Program coordinators also work closely with youth and their parents or guardians on a case-by-case basis, addressing concerns, offering guidance, and resolving logistical issues. This level of personalized support helps ensure that young people can successfully navigate their work experiences and address any obstacles they might encounter (onesummerchicago.org).

Beyond Summer Jobs: The Mayor’s Youth Commission

In addition to One Summer Chicago, another significant initiative in the city involves young people in shaping policy and projects: the Mayor’s Youth Commission. This formal advisory body consists of up to 40 Chicagoans, aged 14 to 19, who are passionate about their city’s future. These young commissioners play a direct role in advising the Mayor and other city leaders, bringing a crucial youth perspective to important decisions (explore.mychimyfuture.org).

The commissioners represent their peers, ensuring that the voices of Chicago’s youth are heard at the highest levels of city government. They also gain invaluable experience learning about policy development and civic engagement. The commission meets monthly, and members receive a yearly stipend in recognition of their dedicated work and significant contributions to the city (explore.mychimyfuture.org). Both One Summer Chicago and the Mayor’s Youth Commission demonstrate Chicago’s commitment to empowering its young people, fostering their growth, and integrating them into the fabric of the city’s progress.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.