By: Ashmar Mandou
Summer break is around the corner. While for some it means endless trips to the beach or catching their favorite music festival around the city, for others it means ample opportunity to land a summer job. This summer, the City kicks off another year of “One Summer Chicago” summer youth jobs program geared for youth 14 to 24 years old. “Employment is the best path to crating safer neighborhoods. I am committed to helping any young people that want to participate get enrolled,” said Alderman Raymond Lopez in a statement. As part of the kick-off Ald. Lopez will hold registration events to boost youth employment around the city. “One Summer Chicago gives the option for our business community to accept a new employee for the summer, funded by this program. It is a win for everyone,” said Ald. Lopez. This week, Ald. Lopez furthered discussed the importance of the program with Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper.
Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper: What should youth know before walking into the registration events for the summer jobs program?
Alderman Raymond Lopez: Only basic information is required from youth wishing to register. Additional reference information can be obtained at http://www.onesummerchicago.org/docs/OSC2015-REF.pdf
What would you like youth to know about “One Summer Chicago”?
The OSC is a great opportunity for students to gain work experience and get paid this summer. We are currently working to address some of the issues from past programs, such as working to increase local business participation so that youth are able to work close to home if that is a preferred option.
How do you think a program like, “One Summer Chicago” helps young people on professional and a personal level?
Professionally, programs such as this give our youth, particularly Latinos & African-Americans the opportunity to work in various diverse environments they may not have originally thought possible. Personally, I am honored to work with Mayor Emanuel to give as many youth as possible to the opportunity to do something constructive & productive all across Chicago. It absolutely beats the alternative of having them doing nothing of value all summer.
Sign-up events for “One Summer Chicago” will be held through May 14th at various locations in the 15th ward.
May 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: 15th Ward Brighton Park office, 2736 W 47th St.
May 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: 15th Ward West Englewood office, 1650 W 63rd St.
May 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Back of the Yards Library, 2111 W 47th St.
May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon: West Englewood Library, 1745 W 63rd St.
Registration for the “One Summer Chicago” program ends May 15th. For more information, call 773-306-0837.
