Youth Opportunities

CHA partners with colleges, universities and other entities to secure post-secondary scholarships dedicated to CHA residents.  CHA residents planning to attend college have a number of potential scholarship opportunities provided by partners such as Windows of Opportunity (CHA’s non-profit partner) and the Posse Foundation.  In addition, all CHA residents can attend the City Colleges of Chicago at little to no cost (after financial aid). 

The Chicago Park District provides recreational programs for the benefit of City of Chicago residents.  CHA youth can participate in these programs throughout the year at deeply subsidized rates.  Programs include arts and crafts, field trips, swimming and other sports, and other recreational activities.

CHA offers an array of summer recreation, learning and enrichment opportunities for youth.  One Summer Chicago is a summer jobs initiative through DFSS that provides job readiness training and job placement to CHA youth ages 14-24. Learn and Earn provides CHA youth, ages 13 to 15, with academic enrichment, experiential learning focused on career exploration and field trips that complement class activities.  The Chance for CHAnge program prepares participants for possible future study and career options in science, technology, engineering and math.  The Financial Literacy and Leadership Institute, in partnership with Roosevelt University and BMO Harris Bank, focuses on enhancing college-readiness skills and exploring careers in business, banking and leadership. Programs with other partners include the Junior Counselor Program with the Chicago Park District, the Neighborhood Youth Corps with the Chicago Police Department and After School Matters apprenticeships and internships. Click the links above to apply for CHA youth programs or other One Summer Chicago Programs.

After School Matters (ASM) administers youth programs across the city, including a summer pre-apprenticeship employment program for teenagers aged 14-15.  Participants receive a combination of academic training and professional skill development from skilled instructors who focus on teaching both the hard skills (e.g. technology, business, science, art or dance) and the soft skills (e.g. problem-solving and teamwork) necessary to function in the workplace.  CHA annually contracts with After School Matters to ensure that a designated number of slots are available for CHA youth.

CHA youth can access existing after-school programs free of charge through CHA’s partnership with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).