Youth Opportunities
Youth Development Programming
Illinois EPA Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contests
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is inviting fifth and sixth-grade writers and artists from around Illinois to participate in this year’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The 2025 theme How Can You Slash Your Trash? invites students to think creatively about how to reduce the amount of waste they produce. This could include buying fewer single-use products, diverting food waste, repairing broken items instead of replacing or buying new, and recycling responsibly. Teachers may display the submissions for voting and submit final entries to the Illinois EPA for further judging. Teachers may submit up to eight individual entries per school to the Illinois EPA by February 3, 2025.
EngineerGirl Writing Contest
The 2025 EngineerGirl Writing Contest is now open. Students in grades 3-12 are asked to write a piece about a common object they would make “smart,” what it would do, and what could go wrong. Entries must be submitted by February 5, 2025.
College Changes Everything Campaign Kicks Off!
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is collaborating with schools and community-based organizations to kick off its 9th annual College Changes Everything® (CCE) Campaign this fall. ISAC and school and community partners provide extra support for students and families each year at this time, offering free college application and financial aid application completion workshops statewide. This year’s campaign will extend later into the season to accommodate the later launch of the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). According to the U.S. Department of Education, the 2025-2026 FAFSA will launch in December. FAFSA includes scholarships as well as federal grants such as the Pell grant, and state grants like the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant, which is the state’s largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.
2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is soliciting applications for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (JLYLA). This award honors the impact of the extraordinary accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis. The Illinois Secretary of State and NASS are seeking young Illinoisans ages 18-25 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a strong commitment to civic engagement. The deadline to apply for the JLYLA is Monday, November 11, 2024.
Girls Who Code Challenge
Girls Who Code is hosting its annual GWC Challenge and invites 13-18-year-olds to explore how AI can create a more sustainable future. Girls Who Code will select six winners–three middle school projects and three high school projects–to receive exclusive GWC swag, a project spotlight on the organization’s social media, and a gift card. Submissions are due by February 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Student Volunteer Holiday Card Opportunity
Serve Illinois is launching its holiday card campaign and soliciting volunteers to write personalized messages of hope and inspiration. This project aims to address social isolation and loneliness that can be experienced during the holiday season. Cards will be shared with adults in communities across the state. Sign up for the Holiday Card Volunteer Project by November 5, 2024.
Project Exploration Part-Time STEAMbassadors Opportunity
Our friends at Project Exploration are hiring part-time STEAMbassadors as a part of the community mentorship initiative. Students with an interest in Science Technology, Engineering And Math (STEAM) programming and mentorship for Black and Brown youth are encouraged to apply. It is meant to support young adults, 18-24, in transitioning from participants to practitioners, as they develop workplace skills, identify and deepen STEAM interests, and strengthen their identity as civic leaders. questions or concerns, please contact jhathorne@projectexploration.org.
The SWENext High School Leadership Academy (SHLA) is a virtual program that builds self-confidence and resilience among pre-college students interested in engineering and technology degrees. This engaging program provides multiple opportunities for students to network with peers, mentors, role models, and industry professionals.
Illinois Council on Women and Girls Accepting Nominations
The Illinois Council on Women and Girls is soliciting nominations for its Girls Committee which aims to research and address critical issues facing young girls and women across the state. Please note that nominees must be female-identifying or nonbinary youth residing in Illinois and currently enrolled in Grades 9-12. Ideal candidates are those who have not yet held leadership positions in school clubs, sports, or extracurriculars and who may not otherwise have access to this type of experience. Nominations for the Girls Committee are due by October 20, 2024. For questions or concerns, please contact council member Jackie Matthews at jmatthew@isbe.net or 312-590-4327.
Lt. Governor’s Girls Lead Program
The Lt. Governor’s Office is hosting a job shadowing and mentoring opportunity for girls and young women across Illinois. The program will pair selected participants with women in state government to see how these leaders and their policies impact communities! Applicants must be in 5th through 12th grade and apply by October 20, 2024.
Auburn Gresham Youth Task Force
The Auburn Gresham Youth Task Force and BECOME are organizing a team of community members and leaders in Auburn Gresham. The goal of this task force is to engage a new environment and community around youth to ensure they learn, grow, and flourish with the support that each unique individual needs. Participants will commit to biweekly meetings for two to three hours and must live or be involved in the Auburn Gresham community.
The Illinois Flag Commission is seeking students with creative input to share their ideas for a potential new state flag that represents Illinois’s diversity. The commission will accept submissions digitally and through the mail, and they are due October 18, 2024.
An Afternoon With YouTube Engineering Creators
Illinois State University (ISU) is hosting “An Afternoon With YouTube Engineering Creators” featuring YouTubers who have inspired millions of people with their content. Listen to their origin stories, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes exclusives as they take the stage on October 30, 2024. ISU worked with three YouTube influencers/creators to put together an immersive media experience, designed to inspire and encourage students to pursue STEM field occupations.
2024-25 U.S. Presidential Scholars
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is accepting nominations for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program for the school year 2024-25. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Throughout the years, it has been expanded to honor students with talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts as well as those who demonstrate excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The state superintendent of education can nominate up to 10 male and female students for the general component of the program and up to five additional students for the CTE component. Students are nominated based on outstanding scholarship, school and community service, leadership, and extraordinary achievement.
Please complete and submit a nomination form by 5:00 p.m. CST on September 30, 2024. If you have questions about the program or nomination process, please contact presidentialscholars@isbe.net or 217-782-5270.
Congressional Internship with U.S. Congressman Garcia
Congressman Garcia represents Illinois’ 4th Congressional District! He is now accepting applications for Fall interns in his district offices! The internship is set to last for 12 weeks, and interns are expected to work for 30 hours/week at a rate of $15/hour. Congressman Garcia is seeking disciplined, energetic, and motivated candidates to gain essential experience in the federal government. This is an opportunity to develop professionally, obtain office management skills, and more. The deadline to apply for youth located in Chicagoland, is August 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is launching its Power Your Future Challenge as part of its CTE Momentum. This series aims to prepare high school students for careers and increase career and technical education (CTE) access. Priority may be awarded to plans that will advance the use of clean energy in local schools and communities. Submissions are due by November 19, 2024.
My CHI. My Future. App Updates
Youth, families, and community-based organizations can see updates from the monthly Anchor Organization network convenings, Safe Spaces Kickback events, and the Micro-Grant program in the 15 My CHI. My Future. community regions. *These events are located across the City of Chicago*
Money Matters Workshop: Investing for Beginners
Join the Chicago Treasurer’s Office for the ninth workshop as a part of their Money Matters Institute, focusing on investing for beginners. Gain the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed investment decisions. There will be a webinar session on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and an in-person session on Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Resurrection Project, 4600 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60609.
Registration Open for Youth Leader Activation Summit
The Youth Leader Activation Summit aims to empower Chicago’s youth, ages 14 to 19, to take action and positively impact their communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from various youth leaders, engage with local organizations and programs that promote youth leadership, and connect with peers from across the city. This event will take place on August 3, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at UIC (750 S. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607).
NCO’s Back to School Fun Fair
New Community Outreach‘s (NCO) annual Back to School Fun Fair is taking place on August 3, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 43rd & S. Lake Park. Join NCO for a day filled with free backpacks, school supplies, books, community resources, games, prizes, and food!
Chicago DNC 2024 Host Committee Internships
The Chicago 2024 Host Committee is bringing on interns to assist with planning and executing the Democratic National Convention in August. The academic year internship is an unpaid internship opportunity available to all high school and college-level students. Academic year applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Fellowship Initiative, in partnership with JP Morgan Chase, is building a community of young men of color from across Chicago who possess a broad range of skills and experiences. This three-year leadership development program is designed to support rising High School sophomores in earning their degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
My CHI. My Future.: Jobs Playlist
My CHI. My Future. has an updated website for youth looking for summer and full-time employment opportunities. There are positions and resources relating to jobs within and outside of the city of Chicago.
Chicago Youth Service Corps has a year round program that provides paid opportunities for youth ages 16 to 24 years old to engage in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development.
The Young Entrepreneur Institute
The Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI) leverages the participation of the community of teachers, educators, and entrepreneurship organizations around them to share best practices in entrepreneurial education. Then, equipped with expert knowledge, educators guide their students through curricular and experiential programs. Their website features additional games, resources, and Pitch Challenge Information!
X-STEM All Access Video Series for Middle & High School Students and Teachers
The U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and Discovery Channel, have partnered to create X-STEM All Access, which is a free virtual conference series for middle and high schoolers to ignite interest in STEM professions. The 2022 series will include seven episodes showcasing the exciting careers and inspiring personal journeys of diverse STEM role models. Each 30-minute episode will feature a STEM role model telling their story through a lively Q&A session with a fellow STEM professional.
CyberUp: PowerUp: Cyber Games
CyberUp’s PowerUp: Cyber Games is a monthly capture the flag (CTF) competition for middle school and high school students that takes place during the school year. A CTF is a special kind of cybersecurity competition designed to challenge its participants to solve computer security problems and/or capture and defend computer systems. Youth can participate via a school affiliated team, as individuals, and on a team of up to four students. CyberUp is offering scholarships to registrants. To learn more about the events and eligibility, click here.
PopUp Science (Homewood Science Center)
PopUp Science is the first program designed and executed by Homewood Science Center to provide FREE community-based, hands-on STEM learning opportunities, attracting people from all across the South Suburbs, and connecting them with diverse topics in STEM. No registration required. Drop in for a few minutes or a few hours! All ages welcome!
Shedd Aquarium Teen Learning Lab
Teens are invited to use this free lab space to make new friends, work on projects, and explore careers in aquatic science. When youth are ready to dive into the Teen Learning Lab, direct them to one of the new teen orientations, where they’ll be introduced to the mentors, projects and resources available within the lab.
Participating in the EarthEcho Water Challenge is a great way to be a part of the solution to water issues worldwide. The Water Challenge builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local bodies of water.
Brokering Youth Pathways Toolkit
A new toolkit from the Hive Research Lab was created to share tools and techniques around the youth development practice of “brokering” or connecting youth to future learning opportunities and resources.
PowerMinds.org offers a powerful platform where children, youth and adults can connect to qualified tutors and counselors online. The online network consists of volunteers that are expert in their areas and are willing to share their knowledge and help you succeed.
Splash! Chicago offers free programs for high school students featuring classes designed and taught by UChicago students on anything from squids to the philosophy of superheroes! Cascade is a five-week program developed to expose students to interesting topics they may never have experienced before in their high school setting. Each class is an in-depth exploration of a topic, meeting once a week over five weeks. There is no cost to attend and pizza is provided.
The Illinois Science & Technology Institute’s Mentor Matching Engine (MME) is an invitation-based web platform that connects Illinois high school students and their teachers to STEM professionals who serve as online mentors. MME facilitates mentor engagement and collaboration through strategic matching, forum-style chatting, video-conferencing and document sharing.
National Geographic Explorer Classroom
Explorer Classroom connects afterschool programs around the world with National Geographic Explorers, bringing science, exploration, and conservation to life through live video events. Each month Explorer Classroom features a new theme and provides supporting resources for educators. To learn more about upcoming themes and opportunities, click here.
Safety, Health, and Nutrition
Mental Health Awareness and Resources For Youth
The Public Health Working Group of the Mayor’s Youth Commission and the Chicago Department of Public Health developed videos on what it means to ask for help and what resources are available to Chicago’s young people for support.
NAMI Chicago: Mental Health Website for Youth
NAMI Chicago has created an engaging and easy-to-digest mental health website for youth in 3rd grade and up. There are different topics, guidance, support resources, and more for different grade levels. To access this information, click here.
Contests & Scholarships
U S. Department of Education Power Your Future Challenge
The U.S. Department of Education has launched the Power Your Future Challenge (the second challenge in its annual CTE Momentum series) to prepare high school students for rewarding careers and increase access to career and technical education. Student teams are invited to submit action plans that will advance the use of clean energy in local schools and communities. Submissions are due by November 19, 2024. Up to 10 winning teams will receive an equal share of the $50,000 prize pool.
18th Annual Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest
The Gallery Collection is encouraging high school students to enter its annual Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship contest. Students can design a greeting card for the opportunity to win a $10,000 scholarship. Plus, the winning entry will be made into a greeting card!
The Congressional App Challenge invites students from all over the country to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win district-specific competitions. Students develop coding skills and connect with members of Congress to contribute to policymaking! Middle and high school students can apply here. The deadline is October 24, 2024.
Golden Apple Scholarship Opportunity
The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program is a teacher preparation and tuition assistance program for high school seniors and freshman and sophomore Illinois college students who have the drive to be teachers in Illinois schools-of-need. Award amounts vary.
eCYBERMISSION is a web-based STEM competition FREE to students in grades six through nine that promotes self-discovery and enables all students to recognize the real-life applications of STEM. Teams of three or four students are instructed to ask questions (for science) or define problems (for engineering), and then construct explanations (for science) or design solutions (for engineering) based on identified problems in their community. Students compete for State, Regional and National Awards.
The U.S. Department of State has announced scholarship opportunities for American high school students to study abroad.
Summer Opportunities
High School & College Readiness
Free Help For FAFSA Applications
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is hosting free one-on-one virtual help available for students who might need assistance completing the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. Please note: for students currently in college or who might be planning on it for the 2024-25 school year know that it’s not too late to get their financial aid application submitted! Students can book a virtual meeting up to seven days in advance, and there’s an option to meet with a Spanish-speaking ISACorps member if they prefer.
Maryland Out of School Time College and Career Readiness Toolkit
This is a guide from the Maryland Out of School Time Network to help middle and high school out-of-school-time programs get focused on building 21st-century skills and supporting young people as they navigate through the complex world of planning for their advanced education and careers!
Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Residents (ages 15-20) can receive one-on-one coaching from an Education Navigator to support post-high school plans, or to assist in continued post-secondary enrollment through Project S.O.A.R.
Additional Resources & Activities
Empower Their Voice Well-Being Survey
Empower Their Voice and Sinai Chicago’s Urban Health Institute are excited to announce their well-being survey is LIVE and currently in the data collection phase. They ask that you share it with your partners, communities, and young people. The Empower Their Voice study aims to understand the experiences of school-aged youth between the ages of 12 and 18 who self-identify as female in Chicago related to mental health, educational aspirations, exposure to trauma, and well-being. The findings from this study will be used to inform policy, resource development, and future research. Each eligible participant will receive a $20 gift card. For questions and concerns, please email Empowertheirvoice@gmail.com or call/text 312-883-0911.
Get Schooled is an organization that will help students prepare for different experiences related to college and career exploration. Get Schooled will review students’ resumes and provide actionable feedback for FREE within a week of submission!
Internet Essentials from Comcast gives access to affordable, high-speed internet to low-income families. To be eligible, households must have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program, receive HUD housing assistance or are a low-income veteran receiving state and/or federal assistance.
