Chicago's commitment to its youth has taken another bold step forward with Mayor Brandon Johnson's office releasing the Youth Impact Report 2024. In this report, detailed on the city's official website, the Johnson administration outlines a year of increased efforts in youth employment and engagement across Chicago's diverse communities.
"We need to take what we learned from this year and double down on our investments in young people in the coming years," Mayor Johnson told attendees at the report's release event. He added, "There’s no going back," signaling a strong future focus on youth development programs. Chicago has seen a practical evolution in its approach to serving its youth, with 106,860 individuals getting support through various programs and a significant 15% increase in hires from the previous summer through the One Summer Chicago initiative.
The report, per Mayor Johnson's office, boasts the creation of over 2,000 year-round youth jobs and coordination of 155 youth-focused events that brought community members closer together. Job creation and community engagement were the cornerstones of the administration's efforts toward forging a stronger, more cohesive urban fabric for the city's younger residents. The kickbacks, according to a statement from the city, have been particularly impactful, with 97% of young employees agreeing that their participation made them feel more tied to their neighborhoods.
Further exemplifying the initiative's impact, a youth participant named Jasmin R. from Auburn Gresham expressed her growth through these programs. "Being part of the Safe Spaces Kickbacks made me feel more connected to where I live," she said. "I learned how to lead, how to speak up, and how to uplift my community." The push for inclusion didn't stop there; the administration's Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo provided a platform for individuals with disabilities to find employment opportunities, attracting 190 participants and their families.
Collaborations such as the Peacekeeper Pilot, developed with GoodKids MadCity and the Department of Family and Support Services, offered training for 100 youth to promote safety within their communities, evidencing the holistic nature of the city's approach to youth empowerment. Another highlight is the micro-grant program that disbursed $600,000 in small grants to local organizations, ensuring that programs ranging from mental health basketball series to restorative justice circles got the necessary support. The DSS Laborer’s Trainee Pilot also stood out, providing recent CPS graduates with job training and entry into union roles.
Moving forward, the Johnson administration aims to build upon these successes, with Mayor Johnson setting his sights on increasing the number of hires through the One Summer Chicago program. The goal for the coming period is a 45% increase from 2022's numbers, suggesting an ongoing and escalating commitment to the city's youth. This emphasis on continuous growth and opportunity reflects the administration's long-term vision for an inclusive and prosperous Chicago for all its young citizens.
