One Summer Chicago


Program Description

One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions, community-based organizations, and employers to offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14-24. The One Summer Chicago (OSC) program serves over 20,000 youth annually. 

DFSS provides funding to delegate agencies that offer employment and project-based opportunities, along with city partners including:

  • Chicago Housing Authority
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Chicago Park District
  • Chicago Transit Authority
  • City Colleges of Chicago
  • Cook County Forest Preserve
  • The Lincoln Park Zoo

The One Summer Chicago DFSS program consists of three youth employment program models: Chicagobility, Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), and the Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC).

OSC Badges

Using an online learning platform, OSC participants earn badges for career readiness, goal planning, financial responsibility, and more. These badges provide participants with evidence of their achievements and can signal to potential employers that they are ready to enter the workforce.

Learn more about OSC

For additional information on OSC, please visit the One Summer Chicago website or call the OSC hotline: 312.743.0208. 

If you are an employer interested in hiring young Chicagoans for the summer, please contact the Youth Employment team at DFSSYouthDivision.employment@cityofchicago.org.


CHICAGOBILITY


Program Description

Chicagobility is the first steppingstone of summer work opportunities within One Summer Chicago. Youth receive a paid stipend for their participation in 120 hours of activities and career exploration over the course of six weeks.

Our Goals

  • Participants complete workforce preparation and financial literacy training
  • Participants report a positive relationship with an adult from their program
  • Participants sign up for direct deposit
  • Participants create a professional resume 

Who does the program serve?

Chicagobility is open to all youth ages 14 to 15 who live in Chicago. At least 50 percent of youth participants identify with one of the following populations:

  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Individuals attending elementary and high schools that need targeted or intensive support
  • Individuals who are English Language learners
  • Individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are unstably housed
  • Individuals placed in the foster care system
  • Individuals who are justice-involved (e.g., parole, probation)

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM


Program Description

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a six-week program that provides youth and young adults with job placement or specialized training opportunities. Job placements include retail stores, day camps, government offices, local businesses, and corporate placements.  Specialized training opportunities include Everyone Can Code, Everyone Can Create, and Economic Awareness Council Peer Money Mentors. 

Our Goals

  • Participants complete workforce preparation and financial literacy training
  • Participants increase their work readiness skills
  • After the program, participants will transition to long-term employment, an apprenticeship, post-secondary programs, or the military
  • Participants report a positive relationship with an adult from their program

Who does the program serve?

SYEP is open to all young Chicagoans ages 16-24. At least 50 percent of participants identify with one of the following populations:

  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Individuals attending elementary and high schools that need targeted or intensive support
  • Individuals who are English Language learners
  • Individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are unstably housed
  • Individuals placed in the foster care system
  • Individuals who are justice-involved (e.g., parole, probation)
  • Individuals ages 16-24 who are out of school and not working