Chicago's youth are taking the lead in rebranding the city's Summer Jobs Program.

Are you a young Chicagoan looking for a summer job? Well, you may have noticed some changes in the city's summer employment program. Under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, the program has been renamed to Chicago Youth Works, showing a strong emphasis on the needs and wants of the city's youth.

This name change is not just a superficial rebranding. It represents a collaboration between local businesses, nonprofits, and city agencies to ensure that young workers have their needs met. In fact, the new name and tagline, "Get Paid.

Get Skilled. Get Ahead." were proposed by the youth themselves. They were also involved in the decision-making process for the program's new visual designs.

In a statement, Mayor Johnson expressed the importance of investing in the city's future by providing opportunities for its young people. Chicago Youth Works offers more than just a summer job, it also offers real-world experience, leadership development, and a chance to make a difference in their communities. Under Mayor Johnson's administration, the number of youth employment opportunities has significantly increased.

This is due to increased funding and partnerships. In 2025, over 31,000 young people between the ages of 14-24 were hired by various employers. Together, they worked more than 2.8 million hours and earned over $30 million in wages.

Surveys have shown that over 90% of these youth learned new work skills and felt safe in their workplace. Angela Green, the Commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), expressed her pride in the expansion of these opportunities under Mayor Johnson's administration. She also highlighted the emphasis on putting youth at the forefront and truly reflecting their perspectives and vision in the program's branding.

If you are a young Chicagoan interested in applying for a summer job, applications for the 2026 season are now open at ChicagoYouthWorks.org. The deadline to apply is May 29th. And for those who are curious, be sure to check out Derrick 'Rose's Flower Shop', a new business that has recently opened.

It's a great example of the positive impact that young people can have in their communities when given the chance to grow and succeed.