Learn, apply, and interview for Your Perfect Summer Job on site at any of the three teen job fairs
The Chicago Park District is excited to host three Teen Opportunity Fairs hosted at Chicago’s City Colleges. Teens, aged 13 to 19, can explore summer opportunities in the parks, including job openings for candidates ages 16 and older and job readiness programs for youth ages 13 to 15.
New for the Teen Opportunity Fairs
This year, Park District staff will be interviewing eligible candidates on a first come, first serve basis. To qualify for Chicago Park District jobs, candidates must be a Chicago resident and at least 16 years old by June 17, 2024, to apply for jobs.
Highlights this year also include meet and greet opportunities with representatives from local organizations, physical fitness activities, and live entertainment.
Teen Opportunity Fairs will take place at the following locations:
- Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. | Saturday, March 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Kennedy-King College U Building, 740 W. 63rd St. | Saturday, March 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Malcom X College Community Center, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. | Saturday, April 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
“The Chicago Park District is committed to paving the path for young people to connect with resources that will increase their exposure to higher education, and potential career opportunities,” said General Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño. “The Teen Opportunity Fairs give teens the opportunity to explore their ‘Perfect Summer Job.’ These jobs allow teens to develop a sense of accountability, kinship, and creativity that is transferable to any discipline or future career.”
This year, we launched the “Your Perfect Summer Job” campaign and are taking job applications earlier than ever to allow the Park District to reach a wider audience of candidates and fill roles as Recreational Leaders, Lifeguards, Junior Laborers, Special Recreation Leaders, and more.
More than 2,500 seasonal employees, ages 16 and up and from all walks of life, join the Park District team every summer and help strengthen our summer workforce. For more information about our summer job opportunities, click here.
In addition, teens will have the opportunity to submit applications at the Teen Opportunity Fairs as well as sign-up to interview with our Human Resources representative on site. To register for this free event, please click here. All Summer positions are posted and we are accepting applications. Individuals of all ages, including teens, are encouraged to apply!
Partner Organizations Participate in Teen Opportunity Fairs
The Chicago Park District works in conjunction with countless organizations throughout the city to offer access to resources and enriching employment offerings. Several of these partners will be present at all three fairs, including the Field Museum, CDOT SAFE Ambassadors, Chicago Harbors, ASM Global, the Forest Preserve of Cook County and much more. With these complimentary partnerships, teens will meet and greet with groups working in a variety of areas and see the wide scope of local opportunities.
Unique Activities at Truman College
In addition to quality job readiness resources and interviews, the Teen Opportunity Fair at Truman College will feature a teen Pop-Up Center that will offer a D.J., 3D Printing demonstrations, origami tutorials, video games, graffiti art, button making and popcorn.
Connections at Kennedy King College
Government, educational, and entertainment organizations will be present to aid teens with tangible resources, job opportunities, and recreational activities they can use throughout 2024 and beyond. Teens will be able to network with organization representatives and take advantage of being to apply for jobs and services.
Mentorship at Malcom X College
The Teen Opportunity Fair at Malcom X College will feature a vendor fair across two conference rooms, a “Meet the Mentors” panel discussion circuit in classrooms, fitness activities in the gymnasium, and a teen career presentation hosted by local professionals in the auditorium.