Coming Soon | Chicago Youth Collective | Chicago Youth and Teen Programs

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Youth playing in park

Building Bridges Between Families and Opportunities

Our site isn’t quite ready yet, but here’s what you’ll be able to do soon!

Explore What’s Happening Near You

Find fun events, helpful programs, and cool activities just for kids, teens, and families—right in your neighborhood!

Meet Local Groups That Care

Connect with awesome organizations offering support, learning opportunities, and programs that make a difference.

Grow, Learn, and Thrive Together

Check out videos, blogs, and tools that help you build skills, stay informed, and feel supported every step of the way.

Are the kids okay?
If we’re honest too many of them are not.
But they’re not always going to say it.
They’re not always going to show it in ways we expect.
Sometimes, they’re angry. Sometimes, they’re silent.
Sometimes, they’re glued to their phones or attached to peers who are just as lost.

This post isn’t about blame it’s a wake-up call.
Our youth are hurting, and before we ask what’s wrong with them, we need to ask:
What’s happening to them? Who’s helping them make sense of their lives? Where do they feel seen?

We can’t just ask “Are the kids okay?” we have to do the work to actually make sure they are.

At ChiYouthCollective, we believe healing comes through connection, compassion, and community action. Let’s rebuild the village around our kids. Let’s see them fully and support them deeply.

Swipe through to learn what signs to look for and how we can respond with love, structure, and support.

Are the kids okay?
If we’re honest too many of them are not.
But they’re not always going to say it.
They’re not always going to show it in ways we expect.
Sometimes, they’re angry. Sometimes, they’re silent.
Sometimes, they’re glued to their phones or attached to peers who are just as lost.

This post isn’t about blame it’s a wake-up call.
Our youth are hurting, and before we ask what’s wrong with them, we need to ask:
What’s happening to them? Who’s helping them make sense of their lives? Where do they feel seen?

We can’t just ask “Are the kids okay?” we have to do the work to actually make sure they are.

At ChiYouthCollective, we believe healing comes through connection, compassion, and community action. Let’s rebuild the village around our kids. Let’s see them fully and support them deeply.

Swipe through to learn what signs to look for and how we can respond with love, structure, and support.

It’s Halloween week on the Far South Side, and there’s no shortage of safe, family-friendly fun happening in our community! 🧡

Bring out the kids for Trunk-or-Treats, costume contests, game nights, arts and crafts, and more — hosted by local schools, churches, parks, and community organizations.

Whether your little one wants to show off their costume, collect treats, or join in on some creative fall fun — there’s something for everyone!

Let’s come together to celebrate safely, support our neighborhood events, and make this Halloween one to remember!

It’s Halloween week on the Far South Side, and there’s no shortage of safe, family-friendly fun happening in our community! 🧡

Bring out the kids for Trunk-or-Treats, costume contests, game nights, arts and crafts, and more — hosted by local schools, churches, parks, and community organizations.

Whether your little one wants to show off their costume, collect treats, or join in on some creative fall fun — there’s something for everyone!

Let’s come together to celebrate safely, support our neighborhood events, and make this Halloween one to remember!

Join Chicago State University, the Chicago Fire Department, and Illinois Heart Rescue for a hands-on, family-friendly event focused on wellness, safety, and community connection.

🎟️ FREE and open to the public – Refreshments provided!
👉 Click https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ZRDrjL14YUeRYo7jUhWvvzZtuoRbrO5KvL4m5fHeBwhURVFYVUEwNUZOSFlSTzhMMUtQS1E1NU9aUy4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl to register!

Let’s work together to keep our neighborhoods healthy, safe, and thriving.

Join Chicago State University, the Chicago Fire Department, and Illinois Heart Rescue for a hands-on, family-friendly event focused on wellness, safety, and community connection.

🎟️ FREE and open to the public – Refreshments provided!
👉 Click https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ZRDrjL14YUeRYo7jUhWvvzZtuoRbrO5KvL4m5fHeBwhURVFYVUEwNUZOSFlSTzhMMUtQS1E1NU9aUy4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl to register!

Let’s work together to keep our neighborhoods healthy, safe, and thriving.

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO THE BLOCK!

Join us for the Back to School Peace Rally & Resource Fair hosted by the Far South Community Action Council!

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🕙 Time: 10AM – 2PM
📍 Location: Gately Park, 744 E 103rd St, Chicago

✨ FREE & FUN FOR ALL AGES ✨
Here’s what we’re bringing to the table (besides joy and snacks):

🎈 Inflatables (yes, we bouncing)
🎨 Face Painting & Live Caricature Artist
🎒 School Supplies & Bookbags Giveaway
👕 Parent University Clothing Giveaway
💪🏾 Health Resources & Menthol/Vaping Awareness
📚 Afterschool Program Info
👩🏽‍🏫 Educational Resources for families
🎭 Music, good vibes, and community unity!

Bring your aunties, your cousins, your baby cousin — everybody’s welcome!

Pull up. Be seen. Get what you need.

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO THE BLOCK!

Join us for the Back to School Peace Rally & Resource Fair hosted by the Far South Community Action Council!

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🕙 Time: 10AM – 2PM
📍 Location: Gately Park, 744 E 103rd St, Chicago

✨ FREE & FUN FOR ALL AGES ✨
Here’s what we’re bringing to the table (besides joy and snacks):

🎈 Inflatables (yes, we bouncing)
🎨 Face Painting & Live Caricature Artist
🎒 School Supplies & Bookbags Giveaway
👕 Parent University Clothing Giveaway
💪🏾 Health Resources & Menthol/Vaping Awareness
📚 Afterschool Program Info
👩🏽‍🏫 Educational Resources for families
🎭 Music, good vibes, and community unity!

Bring your aunties, your cousins, your baby cousin — everybody’s welcome!

Pull up. Be seen. Get what you need.

Teen Talk Series @ Carter G Woodson Regional LIbaray ✨
This fall, we’re creating space for teens to talk it out, chill, and connect. No pressure, no sign-up — just pull up.

🧠 Mental health & goal setting
💬 Open convos with a licensed therapist (Aqua!)
🎨 Vision board activity
🍕 Snacks every session
🎟️ Raffle to win an unboxed Labubu

📍 Woodson Regional YOUmedia

Check the flyer for dates & themes!
Bring a friend — the more you show up, the more chances you have to win.

Teen Talk Series @ Carter G Woodson Regional LIbaray ✨
This fall, we’re creating space for teens to talk it out, chill, and connect. No pressure, no sign-up — just pull up.

🧠 Mental health & goal setting
💬 Open convos with a licensed therapist (Aqua!)
🎨 Vision board activity
🍕 Snacks every session
🎟️ Raffle to win an unboxed Labubu

📍 Woodson Regional YOUmedia

Check the flyer for dates & themes!
Bring a friend — the more you show up, the more chances you have to win.

Join Kennedy-King College & Dawson Technical Institute for Instant Admissions Days!

Dawson: Tues, July 15, 6–8 PM — explore hands-on career programs
KKC: Thurs, July 17, 9:30 AM — complete your admission in one day!

RSVP now & take the next step toward your future!

Join Kennedy-King College & Dawson Technical Institute for Instant Admissions Days!

Dawson: Tues, July 15, 6–8 PM — explore hands-on career programs
KKC: Thurs, July 17, 9:30 AM — complete your admission in one day!

RSVP now & take the next step toward your future!

Do you know any young Chicagoans (ages 14–19) with big ideas and a passion for making a difference? Don’t let them miss this powerful afternoon of connection, creativity, and community.

Register by July 7: https://forms.gle/T5i6xRpdVc3VXJy58

Do you know any young Chicagoans (ages 14–19) with big ideas and a passion for making a difference? Don’t let them miss this powerful afternoon of connection, creativity, and community.

Register by July 7: https://forms.gle/T5i6xRpdVc3VXJy58

College is expensive—but help is available!
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund has launched another round of need- and merit-based scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year. Don’t miss your chance to apply and get the support you deserve!
APPLY TODAY>> https://lnkd.in/g9QVQDsx

College is expensive—but help is available!
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund has launched another round of need- and merit-based scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year. Don’t miss your chance to apply and get the support you deserve!
APPLY TODAY>> https://lnkd.in/g9QVQDsx

Hey Teens! 🌞 Lock in your summer plans now! 🔊 NEW! Join the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Fair on March 22 for special opportunities.

🎯 Ages 16+ – Apply for summer jobs in the parks!
🎯 Ages 13-15 – Check out Rec Leader in Training (RIT) & Counselor in Training (CIT) programs (with stipends!), teen camps, and more!

📅 Don’t miss out! Learn more & register now: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs/cps 🚀

Hey Teens! 🌞 Lock in your summer plans now! 🔊 NEW! Join the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Fair on March 22 for special opportunities.

🎯 Ages 16+ – Apply for summer jobs in the parks!
🎯 Ages 13-15 – Check out Rec Leader in Training (RIT) & Counselor in Training (CIT) programs (with stipends!), teen camps, and more!

📅 Don’t miss out! Learn more & register now: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs/cps 🚀

🚨 SCHOLARSHIP ALERT! 🚨

The Chicago Urban League is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 academic year! 🎓💰

📌 Who can apply?
✅ High School Seniors – Apply here: bit.ly/41o8g3o
✅ Undergraduates – Apply here: bit.ly/3B7865H

💡 Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to invest in your future! Apply now and take one step closer to achieving your academic goals.

Tag a friend who needs to see this! 📢 #Scholarships #EducationMatters #ChicagoUrbanLeague #CollegeFunding #StudentSuccess 🎯

🚨 SCHOLARSHIP ALERT! 🚨

The Chicago Urban League is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 academic year! 🎓💰

📌 Who can apply?
✅ High School Seniors – Apply here: bit.ly/41o8g3o
✅ Undergraduates – Apply here: bit.ly/3B7865H

💡 Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to invest in your future! Apply now and take one step closer to achieving your academic goals.

Tag a friend who needs to see this! 📢 #Scholarships #EducationMatters #ChicagoUrbanLeague #CollegeFunding #StudentSuccess 🎯

🎓 $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP ALERT! 💰

The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation (CABC) is now accepting applications for their annual scholarship! 🚀

📌 Deadline: April 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT
📌 Award: Up to $10,000 for students pursuing a four-year degree

✅ Eligibility:
✔️ Graduating Chicago high school senior
✔️ Attending a 4-year accredited university as a full-time student
✔️ Resident of a CABC Ward
✔️ Submit one recommendation letter
✔️ Write a 500-word essay

🔗 Apply now: tinyurl.com/CABCSCHOLARSHIP25

This is an incredible opportunity to fund your future—don’t wait! Tag a friend who should apply! 📢

#ScholarshipOpportunity #EducationMatters #CollegeBound #ChicagoStudents #CABCFoundation #FutureLeaders 🎯🎓

🎓 $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP ALERT! 💰

The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation (CABC) is now accepting applications for their annual scholarship! 🚀

📌 Deadline: April 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT
📌 Award: Up to $10,000 for students pursuing a four-year degree

✅ Eligibility:
✔️ Graduating Chicago high school senior
✔️ Attending a 4-year accredited university as a full-time student
✔️ Resident of a CABC Ward
✔️ Submit one recommendation letter
✔️ Write a 500-word essay

🔗 Apply now: tinyurl.com/CABCSCHOLARSHIP25

This is an incredible opportunity to fund your future—don’t wait! Tag a friend who should apply! 📢

#ScholarshipOpportunity #EducationMatters #CollegeBound #ChicagoStudents #CABCFoundation #FutureLeaders 🎯🎓

🚨 Applications for the Summer 2025 Civil Rights Scholars Program are OPEN! 🚨

Hey Chicago high school students—are you ready to make an impact this summer? 💡💪

✔️ Want to learn how people in Chicago fight for their communities?
✔️ Curious about getting involved in your city?
✔️ Looking to discover your passions and become a leader?

👩🏽‍🏫 Become a Civil Rights Scholar! 👨🏾‍🏫

📌 Who can apply?
✅ Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled at a CPS high school (district, managed, charter, options, or contract)

📅 Deadline: April 18, 2025

🚨 Applications for the Summer 2025 Civil Rights Scholars Program are OPEN! 🚨

Hey Chicago high school students—are you ready to make an impact this summer? 💡💪

✔️ Want to learn how people in Chicago fight for their communities?
✔️ Curious about getting involved in your city?
✔️ Looking to discover your passions and become a leader?

👩🏽‍🏫 Become a Civil Rights Scholar! 👨🏾‍🏫

📌 Who can apply?
✅ Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled at a CPS high school (district, managed, charter, options, or contract)

📅 Deadline: April 18, 2025

🚨 PAID Manufacturing Training Program! 🚨

Looking to kickstart a career in manufacturing? Gain hands-on skills and job-ready training with the Young Manufacturers Association!

✅ 6-Week Training Program
📅 Starts April 1, 2025
📍 Daley College (7500 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60652)
🕙 Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (10 AM - 3:30 PM)

🔹 Requirements:
✔️ Ages 18-29
✔️ Able to commit to all sessions
✔️ Eligible to work in the U.S.
✔️ Ready to start full-time work after completion

📩 Apply now! ➡️ mfgren.org/career-pathway-services/
📧 Questions? Email signup@mfgren.org

This is your chance to gain real skills and secure a future in manufacturing! Tag a friend who should apply! 🔧👷🏽‍♂️ #ManufacturingJobs #CareerTraining #PaidTraining #FutureReady #ChicagoOpportunities

🚨 PAID Manufacturing Training Program! 🚨

Looking to kickstart a career in manufacturing? Gain hands-on skills and job-ready training with the Young Manufacturers Association!

✅ 6-Week Training Program
📅 Starts April 1, 2025
📍 Daley College (7500 S Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60652)
🕙 Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (10 AM - 3:30 PM)

🔹 Requirements:
✔️ Ages 18-29
✔️ Able to commit to all sessions
✔️ Eligible to work in the U.S.
✔️ Ready to start full-time work after completion

📩 Apply now! ➡️ mfgren.org/career-pathway-services/
📧 Questions? Email signup@mfgren.org

This is your chance to gain real skills and secure a future in manufacturing! Tag a friend who should apply! 🔧👷🏽‍♂️ #ManufacturingJobs #CareerTraining #PaidTraining #FutureReady #ChicagoOpportunities

🌟 PAID Job Training for Young Moms! 🌟

Are you a mom, 24 or younger, looking for job training and career support? The New Moms Job Training Program offers hands-on experience at Bright Endeavors, a handmade soy candle company – and you’ll earn $16.20/hr! 💰✨

📅 16-Week Program
📍 Chicago, IL (627 N. Albany Ave.)
⏳ Flexible Work Schedule (Monday-Thursday, 3-day weekends!)

💡 Program Benefits:
✔️ One-on-one career coaching
✔️ Job placement opportunities & post-program support
✔️ Earn professional certifications in manufacturing, healthcare, or customer service
✔️ GED tutoring available
✔️ Paid lunch breaks & weekly transportation passes
✔️ Support for you and your child’s needs ❤️

📢 Apply Today!
🔗 Online: newmoms.org/intake
📞 Call/Text: (773) 708-6932
🚶‍♀️ Walk-In Mondays @ 1PM – Visit us in person to learn more!

This is an amazing opportunity to build your future while balancing motherhood! Tag a mom who should apply! 💪👩‍👧 #PaidTraining #YoungMoms #CareerSupport #BrightFutures #ChicagoOpportunities

🌟 PAID Job Training for Young Moms! 🌟

Are you a mom, 24 or younger, looking for job training and career support? The New Moms Job Training Program offers hands-on experience at Bright Endeavors, a handmade soy candle company – and you’ll earn $16.20/hr! 💰✨

📅 16-Week Program
📍 Chicago, IL (627 N. Albany Ave.)
⏳ Flexible Work Schedule (Monday-Thursday, 3-day weekends!)

💡 Program Benefits:
✔️ One-on-one career coaching
✔️ Job placement opportunities & post-program support
✔️ Earn professional certifications in manufacturing, healthcare, or customer service
✔️ GED tutoring available
✔️ Paid lunch breaks & weekly transportation passes
✔️ Support for you and your child’s needs ❤️

📢 Apply Today!
🔗 Online: newmoms.org/intake
📞 Call/Text: (773) 708-6932
🚶‍♀️ Walk-In Mondays @ 1PM – Visit us in person to learn more!

This is an amazing opportunity to build your future while balancing motherhood! Tag a mom who should apply! 💪👩‍👧 #PaidTraining #YoungMoms #CareerSupport #BrightFutures #ChicagoOpportunities

Applications are now open for the 19th cohort of the Girl/Friends Leadership Institute by A Long Walk Home. This awesome program has trained over 700 artist-activists and led impactful campaigns against racial and gender inequality.

Here's what you can look forward to:
-Build leadership, artistic, and activist skills
-Earn college credits at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
-Get mentorship and peer support
-Receive a $2,000 stipend per year (for a 2-year commitment)
-Travel opportunities
-Participate in self-care and holistic care programs
-Showcase your artwork in exhibitions
-Lead youth-led, art-based campaigns

Who can apply? Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and young leaders in grades 7-11 who are passionate about Black feminism, art, and activism. The program focuses on photography, writing, and dance, but all artists are welcome. No prior experience needed—just bring your passion and leadership skills!

Submit your application by March 27th, 2025. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

Applications are now open for the 19th cohort of the Girl/Friends Leadership Institute by A Long Walk Home. This awesome program has trained over 700 artist-activists and led impactful campaigns against racial and gender inequality.

Here's what you can look forward to:
-Build leadership, artistic, and activist skills
-Earn college credits at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
-Get mentorship and peer support
-Receive a $2,000 stipend per year (for a 2-year commitment)
-Travel opportunities
-Participate in self-care and holistic care programs
-Showcase your artwork in exhibitions
-Lead youth-led, art-based campaigns

Who can apply? Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and young leaders in grades 7-11 who are passionate about Black feminism, art, and activism. The program focuses on photography, writing, and dance, but all artists are welcome. No prior experience needed—just bring your passion and leadership skills!

Submit your application by March 27th, 2025. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Youth Employment team and Lawrence Hall are organizing a One Summer Chicago Application & Resource Fair on March 26th at the Discover Center (8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave).

There will be two sessions:
Ages 14-15: 10am-12pm
Ages 16 and up: 1pm-3pm

Lunch will be provided, and there will be door prizes and grand prizes for each session. Registration is required. You can sign up here.

Are you planning to attend or know someone who might be interested? Tag them!

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Youth Employment team and Lawrence Hall are organizing a One Summer Chicago Application & Resource Fair on March 26th at the Discover Center (8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave).

There will be two sessions:
Ages 14-15: 10am-12pm
Ages 16 and up: 1pm-3pm

Lunch will be provided, and there will be door prizes and grand prizes for each session. Registration is required. You can sign up here.

Are you planning to attend or know someone who might be interested? Tag them!

🚨Paid Teen Internship Alert! 🚨

Are you 15-21 years old and living in Chicago? Want to build leadership skills, gain career experience, and make a difference in your community? Apply for the CREATE Ambassadors Program today! 🎤📸🎨

📍 Priority for youth in: Roseland, Washington Heights, Morgan Park, Beverly, West Pullman, Riverdale, Pullman, Auburn Gresham & Burnside.
🕒 Evening & weekend availability required.
💰 Paid opportunity!

📲 Apply now: http://www.southsidehelp.org/youthprograms

🚨Paid Teen Internship Alert! 🚨

Are you 15-21 years old and living in Chicago? Want to build leadership skills, gain career experience, and make a difference in your community? Apply for the CREATE Ambassadors Program today! 🎤📸🎨

📍 Priority for youth in: Roseland, Washington Heights, Morgan Park, Beverly, West Pullman, Riverdale, Pullman, Auburn Gresham & Burnside.
🕒 Evening & weekend availability required.
💰 Paid opportunity!

📲 Apply now: http://www.southsidehelp.org/youthprograms

📢 Join Us for the First Far South Community Activation Network Day of Service: Hygiene Drive! 💙🧼✨

Let's support incarcerated youth at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice through a Hygiene Drive—We need your help!

📅 Collection Dates: February 21-26
📍 Drop-off & Letter Writing Day: February 26 | 5:00-6:00 PM
📍 Location: 124 E 93rd St

🎁 Accepted Donations:
✔️ Deodorant
✔️ Suave Shampoo & Body Wash (clear containers preferred)
✔️ Lotion
✔️ Chapstick
✔️ Socks
❌ No bar soap

🙌 How You Can Help:
✨ Donate hygiene items
✨ Share this flyer to spread the word
✨ Join us on February 26th to assemble gift bags & write encouraging notes

📩 Questions or want to coordinate a donation? Contact:
📧 Bernardo.gomez@cityofchicago.org
📧 ltaylor@phalanxgrpservices.org

Let’s show up for our youth and remind them they are seen, valued, and supported. 💙 Every contribution makes a difference! #FarSouthDayofService #CommunityMatters #SupportOurYouth

📢 Join Us for the First Far South Community Activation Network Day of Service: Hygiene Drive! 💙🧼✨

Let's support incarcerated youth at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice through a Hygiene Drive—We need your help!

📅 Collection Dates: February 21-26
📍 Drop-off & Letter Writing Day: February 26 | 5:00-6:00 PM
📍 Location: 124 E 93rd St

🎁 Accepted Donations:
✔️ Deodorant
✔️ Suave Shampoo & Body Wash (clear containers preferred)
✔️ Lotion
✔️ Chapstick
✔️ Socks
❌ No bar soap

🙌 How You Can Help:
✨ Donate hygiene items
✨ Share this flyer to spread the word
✨ Join us on February 26th to assemble gift bags & write encouraging notes

📩 Questions or want to coordinate a donation? Contact:
📧 Bernardo.gomez@cityofchicago.org
📧 ltaylor@phalanxgrpservices.org

Let’s show up for our youth and remind them they are seen, valued, and supported. 💙 Every contribution makes a difference! #FarSouthDayofService #CommunityMatters #SupportOurYouth

Apply for The Obama Foundation's Voyager Scholarship
The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service supports students who have a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities, and can demonstrate an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.

The Voyager Scholarship Program is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program. Through a transformational combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors, the Voyager Scholarship is designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders and equip them with the tools and resources they need to launch their careers in public service.

The program identifies students in their second year of undergraduate studies who will be starting their third year in the Fall.

Applications close on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Central Time

Apply for The Obama Foundation's Voyager Scholarship
The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service supports students who have a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities, and can demonstrate an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.

The Voyager Scholarship Program is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program. Through a transformational combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors, the Voyager Scholarship is designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders and equip them with the tools and resources they need to launch their careers in public service.

The program identifies students in their second year of undergraduate studies who will be starting their third year in the Fall.

Applications close on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Central Time

Repost: Chicago Public Library Foundation

Are you a Chicago teen who loves creating art? Want to share your work for more people to see it? Would you like the opportunity to win prizes for your artistic work? Submit your art to our 10th annual Teen Winter Challenge art competition. Our application form below is open from January 1 to March 1, 2025.

Submission Guidelines
Who: High school students between 13 to 19 who live in the City of Chicago.
What: Submit a portfolio of one to three original works created in the past two years, along with an artist statement.
When: Submit your portfolio before March 1, 2025.
Why: Every applicant will have one work included in the 10th annual Teen Winter Challenge digital catalog, which will be archived online. Winners and finalists will have work included in a print catalog, which will be added to the YOUmedia Zine collection. Submissions are also eligible to win monetary prizes and an exhibition opportunity.

Prizes
Every applicant will have at least one work featured in the digital Teen Winter Challenge catalog. Of these works, up to 25 exceptional pieces will receive Amazon gift cardw, as well as mounted exhibition at Harold Washington Library Center that remains on display to the next season.

Repost: Chicago Public Library Foundation

Are you a Chicago teen who loves creating art? Want to share your work for more people to see it? Would you like the opportunity to win prizes for your artistic work? Submit your art to our 10th annual Teen Winter Challenge art competition. Our application form below is open from January 1 to March 1, 2025.

Submission Guidelines
Who: High school students between 13 to 19 who live in the City of Chicago.
What: Submit a portfolio of one to three original works created in the past two years, along with an artist statement.
When: Submit your portfolio before March 1, 2025.
Why: Every applicant will have one work included in the 10th annual Teen Winter Challenge digital catalog, which will be archived online. Winners and finalists will have work included in a print catalog, which will be added to the YOUmedia Zine collection. Submissions are also eligible to win monetary prizes and an exhibition opportunity.

Prizes
Every applicant will have at least one work featured in the digital Teen Winter Challenge catalog. Of these works, up to 25 exceptional pieces will receive Amazon gift cardw, as well as mounted exhibition at Harold Washington Library Center that remains on display to the next season.

Saturday Morning Quantum is connecting Chicago high school students with Fermilab science and inspiring the next generation to join the field of high energy physics! Interested high school students (9-12th) are invited to complete the interest form by February 24.

The program is March 8 - May 31 (10 weeks) from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the South Chicago Olive Harvey Learning Center, 3055 East 92nd Street, Chicago IL 60617. In addition to learning about quantum and related topics, students may earn a Certificate of Participation and a Certificate of Perfect Attendance from Fermilab as well as a $200 stipend from After School Matters for successful completion of the series. For questions regarding the stipend, please reach out to ECCE@cps.edu

Saturday Morning Quantum is connecting Chicago high school students with Fermilab science and inspiring the next generation to join the field of high energy physics! Interested high school students (9-12th) are invited to complete the interest form by February 24.

The program is March 8 - May 31 (10 weeks) from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the South Chicago Olive Harvey Learning Center, 3055 East 92nd Street, Chicago IL 60617. In addition to learning about quantum and related topics, students may earn a Certificate of Participation and a Certificate of Perfect Attendance from Fermilab as well as a $200 stipend from After School Matters for successful completion of the series. For questions regarding the stipend, please reach out to ECCE@cps.edu

Chicago Park District Teen Opportunity Fairs
Teens and parents, join the Chicago Park District for the 9th annual Teen Opportunity Fairs. Hosted at three locations throughout the city, these FREE events offer information about summer opportunities in the parks for Chicago youth ages 13-19. Take advantage of this opportunity to get your summer plans set now!

Job Opportunities for ages 16+: Interviews will be available for qualified candidates (Chicago resident and 16yrs by June 17, 2025). Due to limited slots, interviews are first come first serve.
For Teens ages 13-15: Learn more about special programs & resources just for you, such as the upcoming RIT (Rec Leader in Training) and CIT (Counselor in Training) paid stipend-based programs, your local Teen Center, and info on this summer’s Teen Camps.

Saturday, March 1 10AM - 1PM
Washington Park
5531 S. King Dr.

Saturday, March 8 10AM - 1PM
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Jackson Blvd

Saturday, March 15 10AM - 1PM
Warren Park
6601 N. Western Ave.

NEW! Deaf & Hard of Hearing Fair
Saturday, March 22, 10AM - 2PM
Brighton Park Community Campus (Park No. 596)
4830 S. Western Ave.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing fair is open to all Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School teens and students currently enrolled in Transition Programs. At this fair, teens can learn about future opportunities such as college, trainings, and employment. Teens can interact with Deaf or Hard of Hearing mentors and professionals to learn about different fields and the work required to succeed.

Chicago Park District Teen Opportunity Fairs
Teens and parents, join the Chicago Park District for the 9th annual Teen Opportunity Fairs. Hosted at three locations throughout the city, these FREE events offer information about summer opportunities in the parks for Chicago youth ages 13-19. Take advantage of this opportunity to get your summer plans set now!

Job Opportunities for ages 16+: Interviews will be available for qualified candidates (Chicago resident and 16yrs by June 17, 2025). Due to limited slots, interviews are first come first serve.
For Teens ages 13-15: Learn more about special programs & resources just for you, such as the upcoming RIT (Rec Leader in Training) and CIT (Counselor in Training) paid stipend-based programs, your local Teen Center, and info on this summer’s Teen Camps.

Saturday, March 1 10AM - 1PM
Washington Park
5531 S. King Dr.

Saturday, March 8 10AM - 1PM
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Jackson Blvd

Saturday, March 15 10AM - 1PM
Warren Park
6601 N. Western Ave.

NEW! Deaf & Hard of Hearing Fair
Saturday, March 22, 10AM - 2PM
Brighton Park Community Campus (Park No. 596)
4830 S. Western Ave.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing fair is open to all Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School teens and students currently enrolled in Transition Programs. At this fair, teens can learn about future opportunities such as college, trainings, and employment. Teens can interact with Deaf or Hard of Hearing mentors and professionals to learn about different fields and the work required to succeed.

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