June 22, 2011

Mayor Rahm Emanuel And Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Announce Expanded Summer Program Opportunities For Chicago's Youth

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

This morning, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced expanded summer program opportunities for youth across Chicago.

“We’re investing in our children’s safety and in their futures,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Through coordination between the city, county, business and foundation community, an additional 2,800 kids across the city will be in summer programs that enhance their ability to achieve success.”

One Summer Chicago’s pilot program, launched through collaboration between the City and County and business and foundation communities, will serve an additional 2,800 youth in four neighborhoods with traditionally higher crime rates: Little Village, Woodlawn, Garfield Park and Englewood.

“This collaboration is critical to reducing violence and stabilizing communities, not only for this summer but for many to come,” President Preckwinkle said.  “This serves our larger goals of reducing violence, reducing the number of youth and adults detained in the Jail and the Detention Center and providing services and programming to intervene before people become involved in the Criminal Justice system and reduce the likelihood that they return.” 

“The experiences I had last summer interning at Swish Dreams are extremely valuable as I prepare to go to college,” said Demarco Diggs, a rising senior at King High School. “This summer, One Summer Chicago is providing me and many other teens an opportunity to gain the skills and practical work experience that will help us reach our goals.”

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) last week announced the expansion of its “Safe Haven, Safe Summer” program, a partnership between CPS and members of Chicago’s faith community. By increasing the program’s capacity from 1,000 to 5,000, CPS will provide an additional 4,000 youth with engaging activities this summer.

The City of Chicago provides access to a wide range of summer programs to engage youth and prepare them for future success. Some highlights include:

Chicago Park District programs offer opportunities to over 40,000 participantsCPS programs serve over 50,000 students from kindergarten to high schoolChicago Public Library administers programs for 50,000 youth across the cityDepartment of Family and Support Services’ “Youth Ready Chicago” program provides summer job opportunities to 14,000 youth ages 14- 21DFSS’ Summer Day Camp programs provide 5,000 opportunities to children and youth ages 6-18. 

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