Chicago Youth Works, formerly One Summer Chicago, is an initiative that provides youth with employment and enrichment opportunities throughout the year. Chicago Youth Works offers both summer and year-round employment opportunities for youth between the ages of 14 and 24.

During the summer, most programs operate between 20 and 25 hours per week. Year-round opportunities may vary in schedule and hours depending on the partner organization and position.

Chicago Youth Works offers a wide range of opportunities through our partner agencies and organizations, including:

• Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
• Chicago Housing Authority
• Chicago Park District
• Chicago Public Schools
• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
• City Colleges of Chicago
• Forest Preserves of Cook County
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• After School Matters
• and more

Depending on the opportunity, jobs could range from working outdoors, to work placements at local businesses, to involvement in arts and academic enrichment programs.

Each partner organization will have its own employment requirements, but here are the most basic requirements:

1. Be a City of Chicago resident
2. Be between 14 and 24 years of age
3. Have permission to participate from a parent or guardian if you're under the age of 18
4. Complete the Chicago Youth Works online application

The majority of the summer employment positions are for youth ages 16-24.

The Chicago Housing Authority has a limited number of employment positions for youth ages 13-15. To be eligible for those positions, youth must be either a CHA public housing resident or housing choice voucher tenant.

After School Matters also offers a limited number of slots for 14-15 year olds.

Chicago Public Libraries also offers volunteer opportunities for younger youth. Youth interested in those positions should contact their local library.

Chicago Department of Family and Support Services also offers a limited number of slots for 14-15 year olds.

The application opens March 10, 2026 and closes on May 29, 2026.

Complete Chicago Youth Works application at www.chicagoyouthworks.org and any supplemental applications for the program options you select.

Only online applications will be accepted.

If you are under the age of 18 and you are offered a position, your parent or guardian will have to sign a consent form for you to participate in the employment program. If you are contacted for a position, you will receive information on how to complete the consent form at that time. Youth under the age of 16 may be required to have a work permit (see below for additional information).

Most programs will begin on June 22, 2026 and end on July 31, 2026. These dates may be subject to change depending on the partner organization.

Yes. The application will save your information. Remember your login information if you have to stop before you submit your application as you will need that information to log back into the system. The application will take up to 20 minutes to complete and submit.

Yes. In order to make any changes, you will need to log back into your application at www.chicagoyouthworks.org. You will need to remember your login and password to update your application. Make sure to carefully review your application and apply for all the job opportunities you are interested in before you submit the form.

No. If you started an application on the One Summer Chicago (OSC) website in 2026, you do not need to start a new application. However, you will need to log back in to make sure your profile is complete and up to date before submitting.

Yes. In order to make any changes, you will need to log back into your application at www.chicagoyouthworks.org. You will need to remember your login and password to update your application. Make sure to carefully review your application and apply for all the job opportunities you are interested in before you submit the form.

Each Chicago Youth Works partner agency will contact applicants directly either by phone or email for an interview or to fill a position. Be sure to include a current phone number, alternate phone number, and an accurate, work-appropriate email address (an email address that you would want your potential employer to use) on your Chicago Youth Works application to ensure that agencies are able to reach you. Applicants may be contacted as early as April 2026 for a position.

There are always more applicants than positions for youth in Chicago Youth Works.

We encourage you to keep looking and applying for other opportunities while you wait to hear about your Chicago Youth Works application.

Our network of Chicago Youth Works provider agencies works to match participants with summer jobs based on their interests, their skills, and the community area/neighborhood where they live. In some cases, the best available opportunity for youth might require a longer commute than is originally expected.

It is the mission of Chicago Youth Works provider agencies to provide youth with a rewarding and safe summer experience, but each youth participant brings with them a unique set of circumstances. Program coordinators will work with youth and their parents and guardians on a case-by-case basis to resolve concerns, provide guidance and support with logistical issues, and help youth establish themselves in their summer job. If needed, the program coordinators will work with youth to find an alternative job placement.

There are more applicants than positions for youth in Chicago Youth Works. Youth are only allowed to accept one employment position through Chicago Youth Works to ensure that as many youth as possible have the opportunity to participate.

Youth may accept additional employment outside of the program. If a youth has more than one job, they will need to work with their employer to make sure they can meet all job expectations.

Chicago Youth Works welcomes all youth to apply for summer opportunities, including undocumented students (also known as DREAMers). Students who have been approved for deferred action must have a Social Security Number to be eligible for City-funded employment positions.

The application selection process depends on the partner agencies and specific programs. Some job opportunities require interviews and others have additional qualifications for participation. Some programs will select through random lottery, while others are restricted to youth fitting certain criteria.

Yes! Chicago Youth Works is an inclusive internship experience and is open to all who meet the programs' eligibility requirements.

Every year the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and Chicago Youth Works hosts an Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo.

This year the event is on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm at MOPD's Central West Community Center located at 2102 W. Ogden Avenue.

You can contact the MOPD Career Center at 312-746-5766 or email MOPDCareerCenter@cityofchicago.org

Youth ages 16 and above do not need a work permit.

If you are under the age of 16, please contact the career counselor at your school, or:

Illinois State Board of Education
100 W. Randolph, 14th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
Visit ISBE website

Obtaining a Work Permit involves several steps, including:

• Complete a required written application
• A parent / guardian must be present when the application is completed and filed
• The student (minor / child) must be present when a Work Permit is issued. A parent / guardian MAY NOT obtain a Work Permit without the student (child) recipient present, as the application requires verified signature.

The following items are needed for verification before a Work Permit can be issued:

• Letter of Intent to Hire
• Verification of Age (e.g., birth certificate, baptismal certificate)
• Social Security Card
• Report of a Physical Examination from the past year
• Written parent approval signed by the parent / guardian
• Completion of a form by the child's school principal verifying that the student is making satisfactory academic progress (if seeking part-time employment during the school year)

Make sure you have all of the necessary documents, if you are invited for an interview.

When you apply for jobs, you will be asked to present certain documents like your birth certificate or social security card.

Below are some useful links to help you get the documentation you will need.

Social Security Number
If you don't have one, you can apply for one here; or search for a Chicago-area SSA office near you using this tool.

To apply for a Social Security card:

• Find your birth certificate + ONE Evidence of Identity (i.e. Driver’s License, State ID, etc.)
• Print and fill out Social Security Application
• Apply in person or by mail
• Once you receive your card make copies and store in a safe place

Government Issued ID
Examples include: State ID | Driver’s License | Passport

If you don't have one already, go to CyberDriveIllinois.com for instructions on how to obtain one.

You may also provide your birth certificate as proof of age if you do not have a photo ID.

The Chicago Youth Works hotline is an easy and convenient way to receive support for any needs that may come up throughout the spring and summer. Please call the Department of Family and Support Services at 312-743-0208 or email us at ChicagoYouthWorks@cityofchicago.org.

Yes. Click here to download a copy.