Mayor Brandon Johnson recently announced that the One Summer Chicago (OSC) program employed nearly 28,000 young people during the summer of 2024, marking a significant 12% increase from the previous year and a 39% increase since May 2023.
The OSC initiative, which partners with local businesses, community organizations, and city agencies, provides paid work experiences for youth aged 14 to 24 across Chicago.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) played a key role in the program, employing 17,554 youth who completed over 2.93 million hours of work. The department paid out $41 million in wages to participants this summer.
“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. “This program is more than just a summer job—it is a cornerstone of our administration’s vision for Chicago and a testament to what we can achieve together. As we move forward, we will continue our commitment to expanding these opportunities and forging stronger partnerships to open doors for our youth to achieve their dreams, while ensuring they have the tools and financial resources to thrive year-round.”
OSC offers a variety of opportunities tailored to different age groups and needs. These include:
- Chicago Youth Service Corps: Focuses on leadership and civic engagement for youth aged 16-24.
- Chicagobility: Offers project-based learning for 14-15 year-olds.
- Summer Youth Employment Program: Provides work experiences and skill-building for youth aged 16-24, preparing them for career pathways.
In addition to the program’s overall growth, there was an increase in participants from vulnerable populations. The number of participants who identified English as a second language increased by 12%, those experiencing homelessness by 6%, and those in foster care and justice-involved youth by 5% and 6%, respectively.
Several Westside and Southside communities led the way in hiring, with Austin employing 1,672 young people. The city itself hired 183 young people, including 70 participants in the Laborer’s Trainees Program.
“Our youth are capable leaders today, and it is vital that we invest in their potential by recognizing the value of their time, effort, and well-being,” said Jen Johnson, Deputy Mayor of Education, Youth, and Human Services (EDYHS). “This significant increase in employment through One Summer Chicago underscores our commitment to creating opportunities that empower young people, promote skill development, and acknowledge their valuable contributions. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for our city.”
In partnership with World Business Chicago (WBC), the OSC program expanded its reach by offering 70 participants, aged 16-18, an opportunity to engage in workplace tours across industries such as manufacturing, creative, and hospitality. WBC also helped launch an advisory council aimed at boosting business engagement in the city’s Youth Employment Initiative.
Another key component of the city’s youth programming is the My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) Safe Spaces for Youth program, which combines community events, known as “Kickbacks,” with year-round employment opportunities. The program hosted over 100 community-based events during the summer, drawing more than 9,500 attendees. It also employed 190 youth to help plan and implement these events.
The Mayor’s Youth Commission also continued its work this summer, welcoming a new 40-member cohort for 2024-2025. The commission is divided into four working groups—Community Safety, Education, Neighborhood Development, and Public Health—and aims to address key issues facing Chicago’s youth.
As Chicago continues to grapple with complex challenges, Mayor Johnson underscored the importance of programs like One Summer Chicago in empowering the city’s next generation.