At UCAN, we understand that in order to secure successful futures for our youth we must present them with opportunities to build skills and gain knowledge. For this reason, we put forth great efforts to provide employment services and summer job placement to youth throughout Chicago. This year, we plan to employ more than 300 youth through our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), One Summer Chicago and summer internship initiatives.
The Summer Youth Employment Program, which serves residents of the Chicago Housing Authority and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) ages 16 to 24, will begin on June 27 and run through August 12. Last year SYEP secured job placements for approximately 213 youth. The program aims to provide them with real-world employment experience, reduce idle time for youth during the summer, reduce violence caused by youth inactivity, provide youth with a means to make income, and provide businesses and organizations the opportunity to positively influence the lives and career choices of our youth.
Youth have the ability to choose their top three career fields and are then placed in positions based upon these pre-selected areas of interest. Choices include but are not limited to: childcare, education, healthcare, landscaping, clerical services, journalism, performing arts, physical education and information technology.
We hope to see great outcomes from these partnerships throughout Chicago. Last year, 90% of youth in SYEP reported learning a new workforce skill to benefit their future and 98% of youth would recommend the program to their peers.
For more information, please visit the Chicago Housing Authority application site or contact Keisha Norris, UCAN Family Works Youth Services Supervisor, at (773)981-0329.