Three fairs to be held at colleges across the city, starting February 2
The Chicago Park District invites teens from across Chicago to attend its 4th annual Teen Opportunity Fair series. The three fairs will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Truman College on February 2, Malcolm X College on February 16, and Kennedy King College on March 2.
“The Chicago Park District is committed to providing children with the structure and access to resources that they need during their formative years to go on to build strong futures,” said Park District Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly. “These fairs are meant to inform teens about their options while in high school and bring them one step closer to achieving their goals after they graduate.”
The Chicago Park District’s Teen Opportunity Fairs are free for all teens between 13-19 years old. 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 volunteer opportunities and skill development offerings will find ample options during the fair.
Some representatives and organizations attending the Teen Opportunity Fairs include: After School Matters; Aramark; Chicago Urban League; Chicago Women in Trades; DeVry University; Mikva Challenge; Music Forward Foundation; Obama Foundation; One Summer Chicago; Shedd Aquarium; SMG-Soldier Field; WE Organization.
Also, Year Up; Youth Outreach Services; North Park University; El Rescate; Chicago Public Library; You Media; North Park University; Pump it up; Chicago Cares; Martin Luther King Center; Illinois National Guard; U.S. Army and Army Reserve; U.S. Marines; Chicago Fire Department; and Youth Job Center.
Mayor Emanuel and 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 can sit in on resume building and interview tips workshops, among others.
Teen Opportunity Fairs will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on:
Saturday, Feb. 2nd at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Saturday, Feb 16th at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Saturday, March 2nd at Kennedy King College, 740 W. 63rd St.
Efforts like the Teen Opportunity Fairs help to support Learn.- Plan.Succeed., a groundbreaking, first in the nation graduation initiative to ensure all CPS students graduate with a post high school plan by 2020. Launching with the CPS class of 2020, LPS will support postsecondary success for students of all levels by ensuring they develop plans for life after graduation with the support of dedicated professionals. In 2016, nearly 60 percent of CPS students graduated with a concrete plan. Chicago Park District, as well as many city agencies, non-profit and higher education groups continue to provide schools with additional support to help all students explore a variety of paths to a successful future.
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 and arts, fitness and sports programming. Registration for these programs is ongoing and available at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Career 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. Lifeguard applications are being accepted now.
For more information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards. Additional available job opportunities are available at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/jobs.
For more information on the three Teen Opportunity Fairs, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs-memberships/teens-park
The Chicago Park District is the 2014 Gold Medal Award winner, recognized for excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,800 acres of parkland, more than 600 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312/742.PLAY.
