Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions appear below. If you have another question, please email us or call 311.
- What are the requirements to apply Youth Ready Chicago?
- How do I apply?
- What organizations are offering opportunities?
- What opportunities are available?
- How will I know I've been selected for an opportunity?
- How are applicants selected?
- How can I check the status of my application?
- What can I do if I am not selected?
- Why wasn't I selected?
Q: What are the requirements to apply for Youth Ready Chicago?
A: Each partner organization will have its own program requirements, but here are the most basic requirements:
- Be a resident of the City of Chicago
- Be age 14-24
- Have experience working within your school or community
- Apply using our online Application
- Have obtained parental/guardian signature if under the age of 18 at the time of application
Q: How do I apply?
A: Complete the online Youth Ready Chicago Application.
Q: What organizations are offering opportunities?
A: Public agencies, such as the Chicago Public Schools, After School Matters, Chicago Park District, Chicago Housing Authority, City Colleges of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.
Q: What opportunities are available?
A: Every summer, the young people who participate in Mayor Daley’s Youth Ready Chicago assist in many different types of settings – in our city’s parks, public agencies, leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, TV stations and much more. 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. On your application, you will be able to indicate the organization you are interested in working for and identify your skills and interests. While there are more applicants than there are opportunities available and it is best to keep your placement options open, you will be able to specify if you want to assist in a particular area of the city or for a particular type of organization or business.
Q: How will I know I've been selected?
A: If you have been selected , you will be notified between April and June. The demand for Youth Ready Chicago is tremendous so we encourage you to keep looking and applying for other opportunities while you wait . This site has many Resources and tips to help you with your search!
Q: How are applicants selected ?
A: Applicants are selected for interviews and placed in opportunities based on their qualifications and on how well their applications match the needs of participating partners and employers. There are fewer summer opportunities than there are applicants, so if you are not chosen to participate this year, by all means feel free to apply again next year.
Q: How can I update my application if my information has changed?
A: You may revisit the Youth Ready Chicago web site and update your information on your application such as change of address and phone numbers.
Q: What can I do if I am not selected?
A: Please do not be discouraged if you do not secure an opportunity through the Youth Ready Chicago. While we are always pursuing more opportunities for young Chicagoans, there are tens of thousands of young people who apply to this program each year, and only so many available spots. Please visit the Resources section of this site for tips to support you in your search. We also encourage you to Volunteer for a local community organization or church and participate in educational and training opportunities to build even more skills while continuing to look for your next opportunity. These activities will benefit you in all of your future pursuits. We also encourage you to check back if you are still eligible and apply for Youth Ready Chicago in the future.
Q: Why wasn't I selected?
A: Unfortunately, there are typically far fewer positions than applicants. Try again next year. We encourage you to visit the Resources section of this site for information and links to support you in your search.
