Youth and advocates with Chicago Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) teamed up with 8^th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris on a community restoration project. YAP prepares youth in several of its projects, including Choose 2 Change, Get N Chicago, Chicago Beyond,  Regenerations, Mayor’s Mentoring initiative and other programs for jobs that are created as part of One Summer Chicago. Partnering with government institutions, community-based organizations and businesses, One Summer Chicago offers more than 31,000 jobs and employment opportunities to youth and young adults in the city between the ages of 14 and 24.

As part of the program, YAP youth are able to work in jobs throughout the city, including summer camp positions, gardening, bicycle repair, food service and health care.

“One Summer Chicago is an important part of YAP’s holistic mentoring and family support services for youth who have been involved with the justice system as well as kids who might not otherwise have opportunities to build job skills and acquire work experience,” said Chicago YAP Regional Vice President David Williams. “Through the program, our kids are earning pay and learning the importance of hard work.”