Chicago City Wire

Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced progress in the summer youth employment program. Nearly 29,000 young people have been hired through One Summer Chicago (OSC), as employers continue to fill positions.

"Expanding youth employment was a promise I made to the people of Chicago who wanted to see more of our young people with productive and safe ways to spend their summers," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "I am proud that when it comes to summer youth employment, we can tell Chicagoans in no uncertain terms: promises made, promises kept."

The announcement took place at the Hope Center Foundation in Roseland on the Far South Side, which received funds from DFSS to hire dozens of young people this summer. Participants are enrolled in a workforce development program partnering with the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Second Chance Program.

Ali Cooper, an OSC participant, expressed gratitude for the program's impact on his future. "I've always been interested in entrepreneurship, and One Summer Chicago has helped me build the confidence and skills to start seriously thinking about my future," he said.

Mayor Johnson engaged with 25 OSC participants during a resume-building exercise. The Hope Foundation is a new addition to OSC, reflecting Mayor Johnson’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people.

"The employment opportunities provided through One Summer Chicago are a vital bridge to valuable connections and learning that can inspire new paths forward and change young people's lives forever," stated DFSS Acting Commissioner Maura McCauley.

The One Summer Chicago application launched in March 2025 aims to add 1,000 positions for young Chicagoans by summer's end. This follows previous expansions of 2,400 positions last summer and 4,000 positions during Mayor Johnson's first year. A total increase of 40% is anticipated since his tenure began.

An update will be provided at summer's end regarding total youth employment numbers through Mayor Johnson’s program.

One Summer Chicago partners with local businesses, community organizations, city agencies, sister agencies such as After School Matters and City Colleges of Chicago among others. The program offers paid work experiences for six weeks each summer for individuals aged 14-24 across four main models including job placement or training programs aimed at career pathway development.