Mayor Johnson Announces Summer Employment Surge with One Summer Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson recently announced that the One Summer Chicago (OSC) program employed nearly 28,000 young people during the summer of 2024, marking a significant 12% increase from the previous year and a 39% increase since May 2023.& The OSC initiative, which partners with local businesses, community organizations, and city agencies, provides paid work experiences for youth aged 14 to 24 across Chicago. The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) played a key role in the program, employing 17,554 youth who completed over 2.93 million hours of work. The department paid out $41 million in wages to participants this summer. “By employing nearly 28,000 young people and putting money directly into their pockets, we have laid a strong foundation for their success,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This program is more than just a summer job—it is a cornerstone of our administration’s vision for Chicago and a testament to what we can achieve together. As we move forward, we will continue our commitment to expanding these opportunities and forging stronger partnerships to open doors for our youth to achieve their dreams, while ensuring they have the tools and financial resources to thrive year-round.”& OSC offers a variety of opportunities...