CHICAGO —Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, will host theInclusive Summer Jobs Expo,empowering youth with disabilities to seek job and career opportunities through Chicago Youth Works.
“The future of our city depends on our support for all of Chicago’s young people, including those with disabilities,” saidMayor Brandon Johnson. “Through Chicago Youth Works, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has been a valued partner in our efforts to empower young people with disabilities to gain real-world experience and make a difference in their communities.”
The Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo will take place atCentral West Community Center, 2102 W. Ogden Ave,from10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Saturday, April 11. The event will include a resource fair where participants can learn about education, transportation, and healthcare resources to support their career goals. Participating partners include RTA Chicago, the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services, and the Chicago Park District.
MOPD encourages all youth and young adults with disabilities to apply for opportunities through Chicago Youth Works. According to a recent report by MOPD and the Chicago Department of Public Health, 24.5% of Chicago residents aged 18-29 have a disability, underscoring the importance of empowering young people with disabilities and expanding equitable access to employment opportunities.
“We are committed to expanding access to opportunities through Chicago Youth Works for youth across the city,” saidMOPD Commissioner Rachel Arfa. “One of my first job experiences as a teenager was through a City summer program. It not only had a positive impact on my future endeavors but also inspired me to pursue a career in public service. I want all of our youth, including young people with disabilities, to know that this same opportunity is possible in our great City.”
Previously known as One Summer Chicago,Chicago Youth Worksis a collaborative youth employment program for Chicago residents, ages 14-24, that partners with local businesses, nonprofits, and City agencies to provide paid work experiences. Opportunities include paid career exploration programming for 14- and 15-year-olds, as well as summer and year-round employment.
Ahead of the Expo, MOPD and Chicago Youth Works hosted a webinar April 7 to guide youth and their families through the Chicago Youth Works application process and answer questions about this summer’s programming. The webinar included ASL interpretation, live captioning, and Spanish interpretation.
The Expo is just one facet of the Johnson administration's expansion of youth employment opportunities, leading a 55% increase in employment opportunities for young people since the Mayor took office.
Career Placement Counselors from theMOPD Career Centerwill be available to conduct mock interviews for participants preparing for their summer job search. The MOPD Career Center supports Chicago residents with disabilities ages 16-59 in finding and maintaining meaningful employment through job search assistance, resume review, interview practice, and other resources.
Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities:
The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities strives to ensure full participation and equal opportunities in all aspects of life for people with disabilities. We advocate for and directly support programs that improve quality of life and open pathways for innovation and partnership. With a goal of inspiring positive change in Chicago, we work to ensure the rights of the disability community are equitably represented across City services, initiatives, and policies. 
Chicago Youth Works:
Chicago Youth Works is managed by the Department of Family and Support Services, which serves as the data hub for the program. The Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Services also provides direct support. In addition, many hiring partners help make this initiative possible, including Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Housing Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, City Colleges of Chicago, After School Matters and the Chi-Cook Workforce Partnership.
Chicago Youth Works offers three key programs:
Chicago Youth Service Corps: A year-round program employing youth ages 16 to 24 that focuses on leadership development and civic engagement.
Chicagobility:Engages youth ages 14 and 15 in project-based learning and skill-building experiences.
Summer Youth Employment Program: Provides job placements and training opportunities for youth ages 16 to 24 to build skills and gain career experience. Summer youth employment opportunities occur over a minimum of six weeks and this year will start in June and end in late July or early August, depending on the employer.
For more information or to apply to a Chicago Youth Works program, visitChicagoYouthWorks.org.