Friday

07-11-2025 Vol 2018

Chicago Mayor Announces New Initiatives for Youth Summer Jobs Amid Safety Concerns

ROSELAND — Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the growth of Chicago’s youth summer jobs program during a press conference held on Wednesday, announcing a new pilot internship initiative for 14- and 15-year-olds in the city.

This announcement comes in the wake of ongoing safety concerns following the tragic shooting death of Marjay Dotson, a participant in the city’s summer program last month.

At the press conference, held in Roseland on the Far South Side, Johnson revealed that more than 28,000 young individuals have secured internships, jobs, or participated in professional development programs as part of the One Summer Chicago initiative this year.

Johnson noted an overall growth of 40 percent in the One Summer Chicago program since he took office, although he acknowledged that the numbers still fall short of the pre-pandemic levels, which in the summer of 2019 saw over 31,500 young people engaged.

To address the pressing need for youth employment, Johnson announced that the city would hire an additional 560 youth ages 14 and 15 for a three-week internship program set to run from July 28 to August 15.

“This is essential,” Johnson stated. “Our 14- and 15-year-olds need investment. This initiative will also benefit older siblings who will no longer have to worry about monetary requests from their younger siblings.”

In line with his campaign promise to double the number of youth hired for summer jobs, the mayor also unveiled plans to add 100 new spots in a peacekeeping training program, organized in collaboration with GoodKids MadCity.

Johnson emphasized the importance of engaging students between the 7th and 9th grades, noting, “This is a critical period for their adolescent development. Our efforts aim to help these young individuals develop new skills and remain focused as they prepare for the upcoming school year.”

However, the mayor did not shy away from acknowledging the considerable challenges the city faces in ensuring the safety of its youth during summer months.

At the beginning of the press conference, Johnson conducted a moment of silence to honor the family of Marjay Dotson, the 15-year-old who lost his life due to senseless gun violence.

Prosecutors have accused 55-year-old Charles Leto, a lifeguard with the Chicago Park District, of the shooting that killed Dotson and left 14-year-old Jeremy Herred injured but alive.

Reflecting on the situation, Johnson expressed, “Today is a good morning, but we are still confronted with numerous challenges. I want to take a moment to recognize the family of Marjay Dotson, a fellow participant in the One Summer Chicago program, whose life was tragically cut short.”

Marjay Dotson’s funeral was held on the same day as the press conference on the city’s West Side.

The One Summer Chicago program was initiated under then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel to offer work opportunities for youth ages 14-24 through partnerships with local businesses, city agencies, and community organizations.

Among other initiatives, the program includes ‘Chicagobility,’ which offers paid stipends to participants aged 14-15 to engage in a six-week career exploration boot camp, alongside various job opportunities for those between 16-24 years old.

When questioned about strategies to recruit staff from local communities, Johnson pointed out a Streets and Sanitation program that has successfully hired 75 students, with 55 currently in full-time positions.

He mentioned that this initiative would be expanded to include 100 students for the upcoming year.

“There’s a saying in Africa, ‘How are the children?’ If children are not thriving, it reflects poorly on the adults,” Johnson said. “Until we can confidently say that our youth are well, our work is far from complete.”

The press conference took place at The Hope Center, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting individuals in transitioning out of poverty. This organization is among the partners involved in the One Summer Chicago initiative.

Earlier that day, Johnson participated in a youth training session at The Hope Center, assisting teens in the summer program with resume creation.

During his interaction with the teens, he stressed the importance of good references and networking opportunities.

He shared his own experience of losing a job after the Sept. 11 attacks due to funding cuts for youth programs. During that period, he approached then-State Senator Don Harmon regarding future funding for youth development, leading to job opportunities.

“Your pathway to your purpose is in each room you enter. Seize those opportunities,” Johnson advised the young attendees.

The steps taken in the realm of youth employment and safety reflect ongoing efforts by the administration to uplift Chicago’s youth and address pressing community needs.

image source from:blockclubchicago

Benjamin Clarke