BACK OF THE YARDS— Mayor Rahm Emanuel believes that being employed is the way to keep Chicago's young people busy and is a positive influence during the upcoming summer months.
I can't state enough what this program has done for our kids," Emanuel said Wednesday at the Children’s Home and Aid Center, located at 5958 S. Marshfield Ave. "There are hundreds of thousands of kids who would be doing something else without this opportunity. They are preparing to learn these skills we take for granted."
One Summer Chicago, the city’s largest youth jobs program, is offering more than 25,000 internship and job opportunities this summer to young people in communities across the city. Employment opportunities range from infrastructure jobs and camp counselors, to clerical and food service work. Also, kids can learn coding and participate in investment academies to learn money management among other topics.
"The kids are getting a paycheck and the value that comes with it," Emanuel said. "Not only are they getting a paycheck, but the life skills that go along with it. Also, an education that will serve them for the rest of their lives."
Since the program started with 700 jobs in 2011, One Summer Chicago has grown by more than 70 percent, Emanuel said.
Sign-up sessions will be held through May 14 at multiple locations in the 15th Ward, including:
• May 5 and May 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 15th Ward Brighton Park office, 2736 West 47th St.
• May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.: West Englewood Library, 1745 West 63rd St.
The mayor believes programs like One Summer Chicago is important due to the city's budget woes.
"There's has been a tremendous demand for this opportunity," Emanuel said. "Let's give these kids a chance."
For more information on One Summer Chicago, call 773-306-0837.
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