Youth Ready Chicago Corporate Initiative
Each year, Youth Ready Chicago partners with private sector businesses all across Chicago to provide summer job opportunities for youth. Below are some of potential employers' most Frequently Asked Questions. Additional questions can be answered by contacting the Youth Ready Chicago administrative offices at 312-743-0208 or youthreadychicago@cityofchicago.org.
- What are the requirements of employers who participate in Youth Ready Chicago?
- What are the requirements of the young people who participate in Youth Ready Chicago?
- Is there a limit to the number of employees I can hire through the program?
- May I retain my employee longer than the six- to eight-week summer job?
- What is minimum wage currently?
- I am unable to provide an opportunity right now. Are there other ways I can get involved?
- What is the deadline to submit my pledge to participate in the Youth Ready Chicago program?
Q: What are the requirements of employers who participate in the Youth Ready Chicago?
A: Employers are asked / encouraged to:
• Hire a qualified young person part- or full-time for at least a six- to eight-week summer term, typically beginning in June and ending in August although these dates can be adjusted to meet employer needs
• Pay the young person directly (minimum wage, at least, is required)
• Support the young person by giving them an orientation and appointing a mentor/supervisor who can provide direction and serve as a resource when questions arise
Q: What are the requirements of the young people who participate in Youth Ready Chicago?
A: Youth participants must:
- Be a resident of the city of Chicago
- Between the ages 14-21
- Have applied using our Youth Ready Chicago application
- Have obtained parental / guardian signature if under the age of 18 at the time of application
Q: Is there a limit to the number of employes I can hire through the program?
A: Youth Ready Chicago receives more than 40,000 applicants each year. We welcome as many jobs as you have to offer, and are confident that we can find someone to meet your needs.
Q: May I retain my employee longer than the six- to eight-week summer job?
A: Yes, we encourage any business to invite their summer employee to remain on the job. Some of our young people continue to serve part-time during the school year, or during school breaks.
Q: What is minimum wage currently?
A: The Illinois minimum wage for workers 18 years of age and older is $8.25 per hour; workers under 18 may be paid $.50 per hour less than the adult minimum wage. All jobs filled through Youth Ready Chicago must pay at least minimum wage, and comply with all state and federal labor laws. To determine current minimum wage requirements, please visit the Web site of the Illinois Department of Labor, or call its toll-free minimum wage hotline, (800) 478-3998.
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Q: I am unable to provide an opportunity right now. Are there other ways I can get involved?
A: Yes. In addition to offering one or more summer opportunities, companies and organizations may:
- Provide a tax-deductible donation to the program
- Underwrite a stipend for a participating youth at a nonprofit organization
- Contribute materials or giveaways for our Youth Job Readiness Training
- Conduct career training workshops for your people
For more information, please visit the Participate section of this site.
Q: What is the deadline to submit my pledge to participate in the Youth Ready Chicago Program?
A: In order to ensure young people can participate in a full summer experience, we ask that employers reach out to us as soon as possible, preferably by early June. However, we would be happy to accommodate employment opportunities or program support throughout the summer
For further questions about Youth Ready Chicago Services call 312-743-0208 or e-mail youthreadychicago@cityofchicago.org.