OccupyTeens: Let’s Put Chicago Teens to Work This Summer
January 11th, 2012 by Shorty
Question: What percentage of young people in Chicago were out of work during the summer 2010?
Answer: Approximately 30% of Chicago teens were out of work. This lead to idle minds and even more idle activities.
Let’s try to reverse this trend in 2012. What can you do?
For starters, try to allocate at least $100 per month in your business budget to pay a stipend to a teen worker for the summer. That’s not a huge sum, but they are more likely to be motivated to work because they are being paid. Second, speak to your colleagues to find out if they, too, can invest at least $300 to hire a teen for the summer.
This is what your $300 investment will get you:
- Low cost assistance with your projects
- An opportunity for you to mentor a young person
- Your contribution to the preparation of the workforce of the future
- Higher graduation rates and lower prison rates
- Your assistance with helping a young person with his or her career and education choices
For the young person:
- Discipline
- Accountability
- Responsibility
- Interpersonal and communications skills
- A work ethic
- Networking
- Time management
- Mentoring
- Pay for work
As you can see, this is a win-win for all involved. Let me know if you have $300 to invest in a Chicago teen for the summer. Also, if you have other suggestions and resources to keep teens occupied for the summer, please share.
White House Summer Internship – Apply by January 22, 2012
November 29th, 2011 by Shorty
The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. Although unpaid, this hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities. The application period for the summer 2012 White House Internship Program is now open until January 22, 2012. To learn more, and to apply, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships.
The Ron Brown Scholar Program – Apply January 9, 2011
November 28th, 2011 by Shorty
The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card. Current college students are not eligible to apply. Application deadline is January 9, 2012.
Go to www.ronbrown.org to apply. For further information, please contact us:
Ron Brown Scholar Program
1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 206
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: 434 964 1588
Fax: 434 964 1589
E-mail: info@ronbrown.org
Nominees wanted for Heroes in the ‘Hood’ and “Stop the Violence” Awards
November 18th, 2011 by Shorty
Heroes in the ‘Hood
To qualify, nominees must be between the ages of 13 and 18, live in the city of Chicago and have performed the community service in 2011. Winners will receive a trip to Springfield, IL OR to a local outing (similar to 2010 winners who were provided transportation and tickets to a White Sox game), a Plaque or certificate honoring their achievement; Media coverage in the Chicago Crusader and other media outlets; and a T-shirt and “goodie bags. All applicants will be guests at the free reception and awards ceremony April 26, 2012 at DuSable Museum, and be given certifications of recognition. The deadline for applications is March 7, 2012.
Stop the Violence Award
Applicants must be a principal, teacher, counselor or community leader who has developed a prevention, education or outreach project designed to reduce teen violence. The winner receives a prize of $1,000, donated by GO Airport Express and the Chicago Crusader, to their school or project. Applications for the awards can be found here:
All nominees are invited to an award ceremony held at the DuSable Museum, where the winners will be announced. Awards are given to the top three individuals; the top group and the Stop the Violence winner. All nominees are presented a certificate for their efforts.
Information can be found by visiting: www.heroesinthehood.com
Image: thecoloringspot
FREE Five Week Youth Program at Totally Positive Productions!
November 14th, 2011 by Shorty
Totally Positive Products is sponsoring “IT’S IN OUR HAND TO HEAL OUR LAND”, a free five-week after school/weekend Community Works Crime Prevention Program and Service Learning Project. It runs from Thursday, November 17 – Thursday, December 22, 2011.
REGISTRATION: FREE INCLUDES: FOOD AND REFRESHMENT, ESSAY PRESENTATION AND CASH PRIZES!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: TAJ JONES AT 1-773-488-9553 or visit WWW.TOTALLYPOSITIVEPRODUCTIONS.COM
Black Youth Project Needs Writers Ages 15 – 25
November 9th, 2011 by Shorty
The Black Youth Project (www.blackyouthproject.com) seeks writers between the ages of 15-25 to write weekly blog posts for BlackYouthProject.com. Candidates at all levels of experience are more than welcome to apply. This young person should be a skilled and imaginative writer. He or she should also be interested in and aware of current events (i.e. politics, sports, music, popular culture, etc), and able to articulate an honest and unique perspective on those events. BYP bloggers have the freedom to write on topics of their choosing, and may espouse a perspective that is true to who they are.
The Black Youth Project’s overall goal is to provide a platform for the voices and perspectives of black youth. We’re looking for passionate, insightful, opinionated young people to join our online team.
If interested, send the following information in the text of your email (NO ATTACHMENTS) to info@blackyouthproject.com:
• Name
• Age
• Address
• Email address
• Phone number
• School (if applicable)
• The kinds of subject matter of interest to you as a writer (this can be very broad)
• Resume
• A brief writing sample (150-400 words) that reflects your voice and style as a writer
Image: Facebook
Check Out “Not Hiring: The Plight of Jobless Teens” FREE – November 2, 2011
October 31st, 2011 by Shorty
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETING: “NOT HIRING: THE PLIGHT OF JOBLESS TEENS”
Why were 18,000 Chicago teens were out of work last summer? In Chicago, only 30 teens of every 100 found a job during June and July of last summer, continuing the dismal unemployment trend of 2010. The average teen employment rate was just 29.5 percent, tying 2010 for the lowest rate since the end of World War II, reports the Center for Labor Market Studies of Northeastern University in Boston. The collapse of the nation’s teen summer job market will be the topic as Columbia Links hosts a town hall meeting: “Not Hiring: The Plight of Jobless Teens.”
Panelists include education and non-profit experts as well as student reporters from Columbia Links, a journalism skills-building and leadership development program for youth and teachers in Chicago Public Schools, housed at Columbia College Chicago.
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.Nov. 2
WHERE: 618 S. Wabash Ave., Stage 2
ADMISSION: This event is free and open to the public.
Laura S. Washington
Twitter @MediaDervish Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times Political Analyst, ABC 7-Chicago
Check Out the 18th Annual Bookamania on November 19, 2011
October 28th, 2011 by Shorty
Children ages 3-10 and their families can enjoy fun, free activities at Chicago Public Library’s 18th annual Bookamania on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. This free event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Youngsters will have the opportunity to meet famous children’s book authors, illustrators and costumed storybook characters; enjoy puppetry, theater, dance, magic and music performances; and participate in dozens of book-related crafts.
Be sure to continue to share the joy of reading with your children.
Do You Know Erica & Myah Jackson ~aka~ The Birdie Sisters?
October 21st, 2011 by ShortyDo you know Erika & Myah Jackson ~aka The Birdie Sisters?
Thirteen-year-old Erica and eleven-year-old Maya are junior golf champions from the South Side of Chicago. On September 10, Myah placed 1st and Erica won 2nd place at the 2011 Illinois Elementary School (IES) Golf Tournament. Myah was also the player of the year. They were the only players from Chicago in this competition, and they beat over 35 more girls to win 1st and 2nd place.
Read more about The Birdie Sisters in the story below.
Erika & Myah - The Birdie Sisters
