Young people age 14 to 21 are encouraged to apply now for the more than 14,000 jobs that are expected to be available to youth this summer. Applications are being accepted through June 3.
“Young people are looking
for ways to grow and be productive during the summer months, and a job provides
an alternative to spending time in the streets. Jobs teach responsibility and
keep our children out of harm’s way,” out-going Mayor Richard M. Daley said.
The Youth Ready Chicago,
as the summer employment program is officially referred to, includes paid
internships and apprenticeships, in addition to traditional employment, in the
public and private sectors.
City agencies such as the
Chicago Park District, Chicago Housing Authority and Chicago Public Schools are
among the employers for the summer jobs program. And this summer, the city is
also rolling out other opportunities available through the program.
The New Museum Internship
Program will afford about 35 young workers the opportunity to intern at the
city’s museums while the Community–Based Employment Opportunities allow the
city’s non-profit, small business and other entities to participate in the
employment program.
Also, the city announced a
mini-grant program where youth could be paid to work on neighborhood-base
projects.
The new programs are
funded, in part, with $1.6 million in parking meter infrastructure funds,
according to city officials. Last year, federal stimulus dollars helped the
city to employ some 18,000 young people. But that money is no longer available,
the city announced.
Still, Daley wants youth
to have jobs this summer.
“The bottom line is that we need everyone’s help to keep our kids occupied in a positive way this summer,” he said.
Young people can apply for a summer job by filling out the application at www.youthreadychicago.org. Businesses can also visit the web site to sponsor or learn about employing a young person for the summer.
Copyright 2011 Chicago
Defender
