Mayor Brandon Johnson Launches One Summer Chicago Online App
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Announces Expansion of Youth Employment Program

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) have announced the launch of the 2025 One Summer Chicago (OSC) application portal. This marks another major expansion of the City's youth employment initiatives, with Mayor Johnson aiming to connect an additional 1,000 young people to paid opportunities and life-skills development programs this year.

"After two consecutive years of expanded youth employment, I am proud to announce that we are aiming to give one thousand more young people a paycheck and a purpose this summer through One Summer Chicago," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We believe in our young people and we want to see them thrive. Our vision is simple: we will keep fighting until every young person who wants a job in Chicago can get one every summer."

One Summer Chicago is a collaborative youth employment program that partners with local businesses, nonprofits, and city agencies to provide paid work experiences for young people ages 14-24 over six weeks during the summer. Last year, 27,793 young people were employed through the program, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous year and a 39 percent increase since Mayor Johnson took office.

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Across all OSC partners, participants completed 2.935 million hours of work experience and project-based learning, earning nearly $41 million in wages. The top ten communities with the most hires last year included three West Side and six South Side areas, with Austin leading the way at 1,672 hires.

One Summer Chicago offers three key programs: Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC), Chicagobility, and Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). CYSC employs youth ages 16-24 year-round, focusing on leadership development and civic engagement. Chicagobility engages youth ages 14-15 in project-based learning and skill-building experiences. SYEP provides job placements and training opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to build skills and gain career experience.

Last year, Rodrick Winston, a participant in One Summer Chicago through After School Matters, shared his experience as an intern in the Basketball Skills and Management Camp. "Thank you to Mayor Johnson for fighting to fund these programs - they really make a difference for Chicago teens as we figure out our future," he said.

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The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) manages the program, with direct support from the Mayor's Office of Education, Youth, and Human Services (EDYHS). "Giving young people the opportunity to work is key to creating pathways to future employment," said DFSS Acting Commissioner Maura McCauley. "DFSS is grateful to all of the nonprofit, corporate, and public sector partners who make this possible for Chicago's youth."

One Summer Chicago has also directly employed 183 young people, with 70 of them being employed through the Laborer's Trainees Program. Dereon Wiley, a graduate of the program, shared his gratitude for securing a full-time job with Streets and Sanitation. "I am truly grateful to Mayor Johnson for my job and to have the opportunity to work for the City," he said. "Every day, I take pride in keeping the streets clean, ensuring safe and sanitary conditions for everyone."

For more information or to apply for One Summer Chicago, visit OneSummerChicago.org. With this expansion of youth employment opportunities, Mayor Johnson and DFSS are committed to providing young people in Chicago with valuable work experiences that will help them build skills and achieve their goals.

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