Registration for CHA 2017 Summer Youth Opportunities Now Open

CHICAGO (March 14, 2017) – It’s time for young adults to start thinking about summer job prospects, and for Chicago Housing Authority youth, that starts now with the summer job application period.

CHA is accepting applications for CHA’s 2017 Paid Summer Opportunities from residents between the ages of 13 and 24 now through May 14. Residents can register online at https://youth.thecha.org through May 14.

It is part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s “One Summer Chicago,” which brings together government institutions, community-based organizations and companies in offering over 31,000 employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24.

CHA offers a number of paid summer opportunities providing exposure to careers and mentoring while developing experience and skills.

Paid summer opportunities are open to all CHA residents - public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program participants between the ages of 13-24 - thanks to CHA partners the Chicago Police Department, University of Illinois-Chicago, DePaul University and the City of Chicago.

“Our young people are society’s most important asset, and we recognize that at the Chicago Housing Authority,” said CHA CEO Eugene Jones, Jr. “The Paid Summer Opportunities ensure that our kids are learning, safe and engaged this summer.”

Among the 2017 Paid Summer Opportunities are:
 

• Be Your Own Boss: Teaches current high school sophomores and juniors the innovative skills needed to create a unique personal business venture. DePaul University’s Management & Entrepreneurship Department will help participants manage an entry level business through a fun technology based media platform, enhance team building and public speaking skills, visit with leadership from sports franchises and learn what it takes to become an entrepreneur. The program takes place on DePaul’s downtown campus and youth will be paid a $600 a stipend up to $600 for participation.
   
• CPD Neighborhoods Youth Corps: Allows youth ages 15-18 to connect with their communities and discover what a career in law enforcement is really about. Up to 50 CHA youth will learn the skills and methods of the Chicago Police Department. The program will take place at Skinner West School, adjacent to the Chicago Police Training Academy, and youth will be paid a stipend up to $600 for participation.
   
• Documentary Filmmaking for Girls: With the help of DePaul University faculty and guest professional filmmakers, high school girls, sophomores and juniors, receive instruction and training on how to produce a video illustrating pressing social issues. During the program, participants will explore visual storytelling and get experience in camera operation, production sound, lighting and video editing. The program is for six weeks and participants can earn a stipend up to $600.
   
• Learn & Earn: This program fosters academic enhancement and career exploration. Up to 700 CHA youth, ages 13-15, will be engaged with a variety of guest speakers and weekly field trips. The program will be held at various colleges throughout the city and youth will be paid a stipend up to $600 for participation.
   
• Safe Summer Peace Ambassador: Participants ages 14-18 are trained to serve as Peace Ambassadors and learn to engage children ages 9-12, in positive activities designed to create peace in communities. Participants must have a current physical and TB test before the start date and can earn up a wage up to $8.25/hour for up to 15 hours a week. The program is for six weeks.
   
• STEM Camp: CHA partners with University of Illinois Chance Program to allow up to 25 current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors the chance to explore interests in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) while preparing them for college through field trips and on-site living at UIC for a week. The program takes place at UIC youth will be paid a stipend up to $600 for participation.
   
• Summer Youth Employment Program: Helps young people, ages 16 – 24, to gain paid work experience working in government agencies, private businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the city. Participants explore careers, build employability skills and financial literacy over the course of seven weeks during the summer. Participants can earn a wage of $8.25/hour for up to 140 hours.

To apply, CHA residents will need:

• CHA Client ID number (or the Housing Choice Voucher ID/voucher number).
• The last four digits of the head of household’s social security number.
• Date of birth.

For more information, contact the Youth Hotline at 312-786-6930 or email at youthopportunities@thecha.org.