Chicago Park District will host teen job fairs on select dates in February and March.
According to a press release, the Chicago Park District will host its free annual Teen Opportunity Fairs for teens aged between 13-19 years old, offering guidance through the application process for summer employment opportunities. The seventh annual Teen Opportunity Fairs series will be held on three separate dates. The first fair will take place at Truman College on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the second at Kennedy King College on March 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the third at Malcolm X College on March 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, according to the press release.
“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,” Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño said, according to the press release. “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.”
Seasonal positions include lifeguard, water attendants, attendants, recreational leader and junior laborer, according to the Chicago Park District. Teens aged 13 to 15 years old can connect with the Chicago Park District team leading summer programs and events, while all attendees will have access to job readiness information and can receive feedback from organizations in attendance. The fairs provide opportunities for employment and volunteer positions, as well as skill development offerings for all teens seeking opportunities.
Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged to help with social distancing, however, walk-ins are welcome. In addition, the Chicago Park District's YouTube page offers virtual workshops on a range of topics, including job and college opportunities, balancing education and extracurricular activities and interviewing skills, which are available on-demand for those who are unable to attend the fairs in person.
In 2016, the Chicago Park District started the Teen Opportunity Fair series to educate Chicago youth about opportunities such as internships, jobs and after-school learning. Organizations are often classified into three types: Recreational, educational/vocational and job readiness, according to the Chicago Park District. A variety of organizations will be present at the fair to provide information about their unique sectors and how each teen can benefit from them.