City Launches Summer 2023 Youth Programming

CHICAGO – City agencies today announced summer youth opportunities available from a variety of City departments and agencies, including the City’s premiere youth employment and life-skills training program, One Summer Chicago (OSC). The Department of Family Support and Services (DFSS), Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) joined community partners to announce summer opportunities for Chicago’s youth and officially kick off Chicago’s 2023 summer youth programming.  

“I am immensely proud of the historic investments my administration has made into youth programming,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Last year, more than 20,000 youth participated in One Summer Chicago. Collectively, they earned over $25 million in wages and overwhelmingly reported that they learned new skills and developed an increased sense of hope for their futures. We are continuing to invest in both summer and year-round programs that will support young Chicagoans in their professional development, encourage civic engagement, and build stronger, healthier communities.”

One Summer Chicago 2023 will run from June 26th to August 4th, marking the return of in-person employment and life-skills training for youth ages 14 to 24. Young people can apply at OneSummerChicago.org up until the June 2nd deadline. The OSC 2023 portfolio will support young people as they participate in career exploration opportunities and strengthen their own neighborhoods, providing positive summer activities that support individual and community growth. Of the youth surveyed last year, 90 percent reported strengthening their skills and abilities.

“The skills and training youth receive as part of One Summer Chicago help strengthen their neighborhoods, providing summer experiences that will put them on a positive path forward,” said Commissioner Knazze. “Our programming supports young people as they participate in career exploration opportunities that will help them feel connected to their communities and more prepared for their futures.”

One Summer Chicago provides thousands of young people the opportunity to receive hands-on experience in technology, healthcare, media, finance and more, through a mix of private, public and nonprofit partners. Mayor Lightfoot’s previous $150 million investment in Chicago’s young people and youth programming will continue to ensure 2023 OSC participants, ages 16 to 24, will earn $15.40 an hour.

OSC’s signature Summer Youth Employment Program, is focused on engaging young in subsidized employment opportunities and helps young people build career and life skills through opportunities like an iOS Training Program, an introduction to Augmented Reality, and much more.  

“In partnership with the City of Chicago, Lawrence Hall is dedicated to offering over 180 slots for youth interested in summer employment, intensive case management, mentoring, and civic engagement opportunities,” said Narestus Coley, community wellness program manager at Lawrence Hall. “We are hopeful that involvement in the summer programs for youth will allow for continued participation throughout the rest of the year inviting for continued employment and civic engagement options year-round.”

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will offer a variety of academic, enrichment and athletic programs to keep students engaged and reduce summer learning loss. Programs are also available for students transitioning to a new academic stage, including preschool preview programs, Freshmen connection for incoming 9th graders, and alumni success initiatives for new and recent graduates and their families. Last summer, more than 73,000 students engaged in at least one CPS summer program. This summer, CPS will once again offer programs in every school community. Students from preschool through graduating-seniors can begin signing up for CPS summer programs Thursday evening by visiting the CPS summer programs website. 

“Ensuring all our students and young people have equitable access to engaging academic and career opportunities both during the school year and the summer months is an essential part of preparing young people to thrive personally and professionally,” said CPS Chief of College and Career Success Megan Hougard. “The hands-on learning and career opportunities available through One Summer Chicago and the District’s diverse summer program can benefit every student in every community and we are proud to join DFSS, Chicago Park District and Chicago Library to bring these opportunities to our students.”

This summer, the Chicago Park District will offer hundreds of valuable opportunities, including camps, sports leagues, teen clubs, movies, concerts and dancing in the parks, to keep teens and young adults active and engaged. Monday, April 24th, Park District Summer programs will be available to view online with registration beginning Monday, May 1st. Most programs start June 26th and run through August 2nd. 

In addition, the Park District will hire more than 2,500 seasonal employees, including lifeguards, recreation leaders, attendants and junior laborers. Each of these roles plays an integral part in creating meaningful summer experiences for Chicago residents and tourists who visit parks and beaches. It also allows teens to earn their own money and build valuable work experience. To apply, you must be a Chicago resident, ages 16 and older, and most jobs do not require any previous work experience. 

Over the past year, the Park District has offered nearly 100,000 hours of teen-focused programming, positively impacting thousands of young people across the city. 

“The well-being and safety of Chicago’s youth is at the cornerstone of the Chicago Park District’s mission,” said General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “We are committed to working with our sister city agencies and community-service organizations to provide opportunities that uplift our young people and support positive and healthy engagement. In addition to enriching programs like camps, sports and cultural activities, we also offer unique summer jobs like lifeguards, recreation leaders and junior laborers that allow teens, ages 16 and older, to earn their own money and build an impressive work history. We strongly encourage our youth and their families to explore the many opportunities available in our parks.”

Chicago Public Library (CPL) will offer a host of city-wide events and activities throughout all 81 library branch locations this summer. CPL has many powerful programs that boost academic achievement and student advancement, including Summer at Chicago Public Library, designed to provide engaging activities, fun family events and literacy programs from June 10 through August 6, 2023. CPL will continue to be a safe space for Chicago’s youth and encourage participation at CPL’s YOUmedia locations, where teens can engage in projects across a variety of core content areas, including graphic design, photography, video, music and much more—both in-person and online. 

“Chicago Public Library is excited to continue providing opportunities for our Chicago youth this summer,” said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. “Our programming allows youth to be creative, connect and build relationships, as well as learn and develop skills that will last a lifetime as we employ over 100 teens across 35 library branch locations through our partnership with One Summer Chicago and After School Matters.”

Other culturally engaging opportunities available through the Public Library include field trips to museums, free passes to the Art Institute and Museum of Science and Industry. Additionally, CPL offers internships through One Summer Chicago and After School Matters, where teens participate in skill-building workshops to better prepare them for future job opportunities. 

“Metropolitan Family Services provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to strengthen families and help them realize their full potential,” said Carrie Pullie, executive director of Metropolitan Family Services Calumet. “We provide an array of services to develop youth academically, socially and economically. With programs for first generation college students, innovative construction training, and paid youth employment experiences there are ample opportunities for youth this summer with Metropolitan Family Services to learn, to earn, to heal, and to thrive.”

More information on OSC and Chicagobility is available at OneSummerChicago.org. 

More information on My CHI. My Future. is available at explore.mychimyfuture.org. 

More information on CPS programs is available at cps.edu/campaigns/summer-programs.

More information on Park District programs is available at chicagoparkdistrict.com/jobs. 

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About Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students, beginning with the District’s free full-day preschool programming for four-year-old scholars and continuing through neighborhood, magnet and selective-enrollment elementary schools that provide a rigorous K-8 education with schools that specialize in the fine arts, world language and culture, dual language, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB), classical programs, and more. The rising District-wide freshmen-on-track and high school graduation rates reflect the hard work of the CPS community, including families, staff, and students across 635 schools. CPS celebrates the diversity of its more than 322,000 students who cite 182 home languages. Learn more about CPS at www.cps.edu and connect with CPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About the Department of Family Services and Support (DFSS)

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) works with community partners to connect Chicago residents and families to resources that build stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive. As the 5th largest City agency and one of the largest social service funders and administrators in Chicago, DFSS provides direct services at six Community Service Centers, six Regional Senior Centers, and through partnerships with 360 community-based organizations across the city. The department has seven program divisions, including Youth Services, Senior Services, Homeless Services, Workforce Services, the Division on Gender-Based Violence, Human Services, and Childrens Services. Specifically, the Youth Services Division facilitates programs designed to support youth in reaching their full potential in their community, school, and work.

About Chicago Public Library (CPL)

Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (Chicago Public Library), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).