Mayor Johnson Announces Summer Employment Surge with One Summer Chicago
Program Sees Significant Increase in Youth Employment
Mayor Brandon Johnson recently announced that the One Summer Chicago (OSC) program employed nearly 28,000 young people during the summer of 2024, marking a significant 12% increase from the previous year and a 39% increase since May 2023.
About One Summer Chicago
The OSC initiative, which partners with local businesses, community organizations, and city agencies, provides paid work experiences for youth aged 14 to 24 across Chicago.
Key Findings
- 17,554 youth were employed and completed over 2.93 million hours of work.
- The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) paid out $41 million in wages to participants this summer.
- A 12% increase in participants who identified English as a second language.
- A 6% increase in participants experiencing homelessness.
- A 5% and 6% increase in participants in foster care and justice-involved youth, respectively.
Community Engagement
Austin employed 1,672 young people, and the city itself hired 183 young people, including 70 participants in the Laborer’s Trainees Program.
Partnerships and Initiatives
One Summer Chicago partnered with World Business Chicago (WBC) to offer 70 participants, aged 16-18, workplace tours across industries such as manufacturing, creative, and hospitality. WBC also launched an advisory council aimed at boosting business engagement in the city’s Youth Employment Initiative.
The My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) Safe Spaces for Youth program combined community events, known as “Kickbacks,” with year-round employment opportunities. The program hosted over 100 community-based events during the summer, drawing more than 9,500 attendees, and employed 190 youth to help plan and implement these events.
Mayor’s Vision
“By employing nearly 28,000 young people and putting money directly into their pockets, we have laid a strong foundation for their success,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This program is more than just a summer job – it is a cornerstone of our administration’s vision for Chicago and a testament to what we can achieve together. As we move forward, we will continue our commitment to expanding these opportunities and forging stronger partnerships to open doors for our youth to achieve their dreams, while ensuring they have the tools and financial resources to thrive year-round.”
Conclusion
The One Summer Chicago program has made significant strides in providing valuable work experiences for Chicago’s youth. As the city continues to grapple with complex challenges, it is essential to empower the next generation through programs like One Summer Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is One Summer Chicago?
The One Summer Chicago program is an initiative that provides paid work experiences for youth aged 14 to 24 across Chicago.
* What are the key findings of the 2024 program?
The program employed nearly 28,000 young people, marking a 12% increase from the previous year and a 39% increase since May 2023. A total of 17,554 youth were employed and completed over 2.93 million hours of work, with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) paying out $41 million in wages to participants.
* What are the program’s goals?
The program aims to provide valuable work experiences for Chicago’s youth, promote skill development, and acknowledge their valuable contributions.
