We are excited to announce that the Chicago Youth Works (CYW) application portal is now open. Chicago Youth Works — formerly One Summer Chicago — reflects the City’s continued investment in expanding youth employment opportunities and strengthening pathways to long-term career success for Chicago’s young people. The new Chicago Youth Works name places youth at the center of the program while reinforcing that youth employment opportunities extend across the City occur throughout the year, not only during the summer months.
The goal is to hire over 29,000 summer paid opportunities, similar to last year, for youth and young adults ages 14–24, including 19,240 opportunities supported through DFSS programs. The application deadline is May 29, and we encourage youth to apply early to increase their chances of receiving a job offer. Applicants will receive bi-weekly updates with reminders, resources, and interview notifications throughout the application period.
Program Overview
Chicagobility (Ages 14–15)
Youth explore career pathways through project-based learning, field experiences, and skill-building activities. Participants engage 20 hours per week and receive a $480 stipend for the summer.
Youth Employment Program (Ages 16–24)
Paid jobs and internships with partners such as the Chicago Park District, Chicago Transit Authority, and private and nonprofit employers across the city. Youth work 20 hours per week and earn $17.05 per hour.
Summer programming will begin Monday, June 22 and conclude Friday, July 31.
CYW Contact Information: Direct youth to apply online at chicagoyouthworks.org
For additional questions, please contact Senior Director of Youth Employment, Eshawn Spencer, at Eshawn.spencer@