Youth Ready Chicago Corporate Initiative
Each year, Mayor Daley's Youth Ready Chicago partners with private sector business all across Chicago to provide summer job opportunities for youth. The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services works with it's corporate partners to ensure access to thousands of youth applicants ages 16-24, eager and ready to work. Businesses can specify their age and skills preference. All applicants are pre-screened and go through Job Readiness Training all at no cost to the business. Businesses and youth applicants will also be assigned a Job Developer, who will advise the placement in case any issues arise for the business and employee. The Job Developer remains in contact with both parties during the duration of the placement and after the summer has concluded. For more information read frequently asked questions .
- 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?
- What are the ages of the youth participants and may I specify a preference?
- What job duties can be performed by the young people we hire through the Youth Ready Chicago?
- How many candidates are available for hire? Is there a limit to the number of employees I can hire through the program?
- Can your program pay our summer employee(s), and we’ll pay you?
- 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?
- I have a suggestion for the Youth Ready Chicago. To whom should I send it?
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 14-24
- Maintain a grade point average of C or higher
- Have experience working within their school or community
- 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: What are the ages of the youth participants and may I specify a preference?
A: Participants are ages 14-24. While we make every effort to match you with the right candidate(s) for the positions you have available based on requirements and the candidates’ skills and experiences, you may indicate if you, for example, are seeking a high school or college student if you feel it is relevant to the position.
Q: What job duties can be performed by the young people we hire through the Summer Jobs Program?
A: If you have a corporate or nonprofit opportunity, it’s extremely likely that we have a candidate for you. The skills of the thousands of bright, talented young people who seek opportunities through Youth Ready Chicago are diverse. Every summer, youth who participate in this program assist in our city’s parks, public agencies, leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, TV stations and on. They are lifeguards, tutors, childcare workers, administrative assistants, fast food team members, sales associates, special events coordinators, customer service personnel, painters, computer specialists, organizers, inventory specialists, receptionists, cashiers, and more. If you have a need, let us know and we’ll search our applicants to find you a match!
Q: How many candidates are available for hire? Is there a limit to the number of employees I can hire through the program?
A: Youth Ready Chicago receives more than double as many applicants than there are opportunities available, or 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. Youth Ready Chicago also has successfully provided a link between many young people with disabilities and Chicago businesses. Please click here for more information about hiring youth with disabilities.
Q: Can your program pay our summer employee(s), and we’ll pay you?
A: No. Employers must hire and pay employees directly.
Q: May I retain my employee longer than the six- to eight-week summer job?
A: Yes, you absolutely may invite your 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. Read Success Stories from a variety of employers who have hired employees through the Summer Jobs Program.
Q: What is minimum wage currently?
A: The minimum wage through June 2009 is $7.25 for young people ages 16-17, and $7.75 for ages 18 and up. Beginning July 1, 2009, the minimum wage will increase to $7.50 for ages 16-17, and $8.00 for ages 18 and up. On July 1, 2010, the minimum wage will be $7.75 for ages 16-17, and $8.25 for ages 18 and up. (Please confirm all amounts, especially the 16-17 amounts for 2009-2010.) All jobs filled through the Summer Jobs Program must pay minimum wage, at least, 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 donate to the program; underwrite a stipend for a participating youth and nonprofit organization; sponsor, or contribute materials or giveaways for our Youth Career Training; or conduct career training workshops for your people. For more information, please visit the Participate section of this site. Donations in any amount are appreciated and tax deductible.
Q: I have a suggestion for the Summer Jobs Program. To whom should I send it?
A: We appreciate your comments. Partners are contacted and asked to complete phone evaluations during the summer and a post-program surveys to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any other needs or suggestions at any time. Please contact us at youthreadychicago@cityofchicago.org.
For further questions about Youth Ready Chicago Services call 311 or e-mail youthreadychicago@cityofchicago.org.