Apply now or at fairs for Chicago Park District summer job opportunities
The Chicago Park District announces dates for the 7th annual Teen Opportunity Fairs series. The three fairs will take place at Truman College (1145 W. Wilson Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 25, Kennedy King College (740 W. 63rd St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 18, and Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 25.
The Chicago Park District’s Teen Opportunity Fairs are free for all teens between 13-19 years old. This year, young adults searching for summer employment opportunities in Chicago will be guided through the application process on site. Currently, the Chicago Park District’s lifeguard, water attendants, attendants, recreational leader, junior laborer, and other seasonal positions.
Teens 13 to 15 years old will also connect with Chicago Park District team leading summer programs and events, including junior counselor positions, summer Rollin’ Rec initiative, junior lifeguard opportunities, cultural & arts programs, sailing apprenticeship programs and wellness Teen Fit Boxing programs.
All teens attending the opportunity fairs will have access to information about job readiness and connect with organizations in attendance to receive feedback and critique. Teens seeking employment and volunteer opportunities as well as skill development offerings will find ample options during the fair.
“Finding the perfect summer job is as easy as attending one of our Teen Opportunity Fairs- where teens will have access to educational and networking opportunities, and will walk away with a sense of accomplishment after applying to one or several worthwhile positions,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño. “Through this series, the Park District aims to connect the newest members of Chicago’s workforce with local organizations and businesses, and valuable resources that will set them on a path to success.”
Highlights for each fair include:
Saturday, February 25th
Take a tour of a pop-up Teen Center and join us for a self-defense class led by a Chicago Park District’s Athletic Boxing instructor.
- Chicago Police and Firefighter Junior Training Academy will be on-hand providing information about pathways to opportunities in law enforcement and fire mitigation and prevention.
- Built IT will expose teens to junior trades positions.
Saturday, March 18th
Teens will be invited to attend the following informational sessions:
- Title IX: Girls, Sports and Mental Health
- Sports Officiating
- BAM (Becoming a Man): Mentorship for male teens
Saturday, March 25th
Teens will be invited to attend the following informational sessions:
- Self-Care for Teens
- Exploring Your Options
- Job Readiness
- Chicago Scholars
City Colleges, Chicago Museums, Chicago Public Library, City Year, One Million Degrees will also be available to speak to teens at all three fairs.
Additional representatives and organizations attending the Teen Opportunity Fairs include:
· Economic Awareness Council
· Mental Health Meets Hip-Hop LLC
· Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps
· Arts+Public Life-Univ. Of Chicago
· City Colleges
· One Summer Chicago
· Lincoln Park Zoo
· Chicago Police Department
· Forest Preserve
· Brookfield Zoo
· Girls 4 Science
· After School Matters
· Chicago Transit Authority
· Metropolitan Family Services
· Soldier Field/ASM Global
· Yollocalli Arts Reach
· Chicago Harbors
· YMCA Camp Duncan
*These vendors vary by location and more may be added.
The Chicago Park District launched the Teen Opportunity Fair series in 2016 to educate Chicago teens on opportunities, such as internships, jobs or after school learning. Organizations typically fall into three categories: Recreation, Educational/Vocational and Job Readiness. Each organization attending the fair will provide information about their specific field and how teens can take advantage of the opportunities they provide. Along with visiting representatives of organizations, teens learn about the educational programs and services available to them.
Teen Opportunity Fairs will take place on:
- Saturday, February 25th at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, March 18th at Kennedy King College, 740 W. 63rd St./ U Building, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, March 25th at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
For those not able to attend the series in-person, on-demand, virtual workshops focused on job and college opportunities, balancing education and extracurricular activities and interviewing techniques are available on the Chicago Park District’s YouTube page.
Pre-registration is highly recommended to assist with social distancing and available at chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs. Walk-ins are welcome.
The Chicago Park District offers a variety of programming aimed at teen audiences in parks across the city. Teens are encouraged to participate in Leadership Councils and culture & arts, fitness and sports programming. Registration for these programs is ongoing and available at chicagoparkdistrict.com/tip.
Careers opportunities for teens with the Chicago Park District are also available. Teens can start gaining experience in the workforce with a job as a lifeguard and/or summer recreational leader. These applications are being accepted now. Find details at chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards. Additional available job opportunities are available at chicagoparkdistrict.com/jobs.
For more information on the three Teen Opportunity Fairs, please visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/tip.
Teens are encouraged to follow the Chicago Park District’s dedicated Instagram page- search “chicagoparks” or click here for up-to-date information about events, activities and program opportunities catered for teens at parks citywide.