UChicago Youth Internship Program
About
The University of Chicago Youth Internship Program is a paid summer employment opportunity for South Side high school students. Launched in 2021, the UChicago Youth Internship Program (YIP) serves Chicago Public School and charter school students over the course of two summers. In addition to providing interns with meaningful work experience and a stronger peer network, the program also offers weekly professional development workshops, guest speakers, social-emotional learning seminars, career exploration activities, and college readiness and access programming.
The first summer is focused on career and college awareness, exploration, and preparation. The following summer, participants are eligible to reapply to YIP for a direct internship within one of several University units for a six-week internship in health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services.
YIP partners with One Summer Chicago, a citywide initiative through the Department of Family & Support Services’ Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides youth with employment and enrichment opportunities during the summer months.
Qualifications
The UChicago Youth Internship Program is looking for motivated, hardworking students who:
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Have an interest in learning about health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services
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Want to explore career and college pathways after high school
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Are at least 16 years old by June 26, 2023 and authorized to work in the United States
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Are a current sophomore or junior at a Chicago Public School or charter school
Priority will be given to students with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA who attend a high school in the Office of Civic Engagement’s nine-neighborhood focus area on the South Side: Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn.
Program Dates: June 26 - August 3, 2023
Interns will work and attend programming Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (approximately 20 hours per week).
Apply
Applications are now being accepted through May 12, 2023 on the One Summer Chicago website. After completing this application, students should then submit this interest form. To be further considered for this opportunity, both an interest form and One Summer Chicago application need to be completed.
Need help completing the application? Scroll down to our FAQ section for a step-by-step application guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the expandable menu below to find answers to frequently asked questions about the UChicago Youth Internship Program.
Applications are due on May 12, 2023 at 11:55 pm. Interns will be required to submit a timely application and participate in an interview to be selected. Submit an application on the One Summer Chicago website here.
1) Apply for the Youth Internship Program on the One Summer Chicago website using this step-by-step application guide.
2) Complete this interest form.
To be further considered for this opportunity, both an interest form and One Summer Chicago application need to be completed.
Yes, all participants will need their parents or legal guardians to fill out a participation waiver.
The first summer is focused on career and college awareness, exploration, and preparation. The following summer, participants are placed within one of several University units for a six-week internship in health sciences, computer sciences, or IT services.
While specific tasks will vary between departments, all interns will have assignments that support projects or initiatives of the department. These assignments could include conducting research, assisting with scheduling, attending meeting and taking notes, and supporting social media marketing. Regardless of where a student is placed, all interns will have an updated resume and a personal statement or short reflection piece about their internship that can be used for future job searches or college applications. Read more about past UChicago Youth Internship Program projects here.
Interns who participate in the program will
- Earn an $1,800 stipend by successfully completing all summer internship requirements
- Attend workshops focused on career exploration, professional development, and more
- Prepare for the college application process through college tours and workshops
- Develop valuable skills and experience, whether you want to work immediately after graduation or attend college
Students must be at least 16 years old by June 26, 2023 and authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this program.
For more information about the internship program, please contact ucyip@uchicago.edu.
Click here for a UChicago Youth Internship Program flyer.
