Chicago City Wire

This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that nearly 28,000 young people were employed through the One Summer Chicago (OSC) program during the summer of 2024. This marks a 12 percent increase from the previous year and a 39 percent rise since May 2023. The OSC initiative offers youth aged 14 to 24 paid work experiences for six weeks in collaboration with local businesses, community organizations, and city agencies.

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) hired 17,554 young individuals who completed approximately 2.93 million hours of work this summer, receiving $41 million in wages.

"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. He emphasized that the program is more than just a summer job but part of his administration's vision for Chicago.

OSC provides opportunities across various entities managed by DFSS with support from the Mayor's Office of Education, Youth and Human Services (EDYHS). It funds multiple community organizations under three models: Chicago Youth Service Corps, Chicagobility, and Summer Youth Employment Program.

Participation in these programs saw an increase in diversity from last year. Notably, there was a rise in participants identifying English as a second language (12%), those experiencing homelessness (6%), those in foster care (5%), and justice-involved individuals (6%).

Austin led the communities with the highest hires at 1,672. The City of Chicago directly employed 183 young people; among them were 70 participants in the Laborer’s Trainees Program.

"Our youth are capable leaders today," said Jen Johnson, Deputy Mayor of Education, Youth, and Human Services. She highlighted the importance of investing in youth potential through employment opportunities provided by OSC.

In partnership with World Business Chicago (WBC), OSC expanded its impact with workplace tours for participants aged 16-18. An advisory council was also launched to enhance business engagement within the Youth Employment Initiative.

Additionally, My CHI. My Future.'s Safe Spaces for Youth program included both community events called "Kickbacks" and year-round employment for youth aged 16-24. During summer 2024, it employed 190 youths while hosting over 100 Kickback events attended by more than 9,500 community members.

The Johnson Administration continued its collaboration with the Mayor’s Youth Commission by welcoming its sixth cohort for the term spanning from September to September next year. The commission focuses on addressing issues such as community safety and public health through four working groups tasked with developing innovative solutions tailored towards youth needs across Chicago.