This summer, 75 Chicago high school interns brought energy, leadership, and heart to Urban Initiatives’ summer sports camps through the One Summer Chicago program. Over six weeks, these young leaders built job readiness skills – from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and time management – while serving as role models for younger participants.
For many, this was more than a summer job. UI hires a number of alumni who first wore our jerseys in elementary school or stepped up as middle schools captains through our Take the Lead Program.
Returning as coaches and camp leaders, they now have the chance to give back to the same programs that helped shape their own journeys.
Luis – who has played on UI teams since 3rd grade and is now going into his second year at Northwestern studying finance – said “I was in UI as a kid so this is a full circle moment to come back and be a coach.”
Our youth join One Summer Chicago for many reasons: to earn their first paycheck, to explore a future career in youth development, to build their resumes, or simply to be part of a team that believes in them. Whatever their path, they leave with stronger skills, new connections, and the knowledge that they’ve made a difference in their community.
A big thank-you to the Illinois Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) for making this tremendous opportunity possible. With their support, we are able to connect more youth to meaningful work, leadership development, and the lifelong benefits of sport and play.
We’re proud to be part of their story and can’t wait to see where their leadership takes them next!
