June 15 – July 31, 2026
Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 2:30pm
About the program
The City of Chicago's Chicago Youth Works (CYW) Program seeks to create meaningful summer employment opportunities for Chicago's youth.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the largest corporate partner and will be providing 300 high school interns with a 7-week paid internship.
Interns will participate in a robust hybrid experience that includes an innovative approach to our hallmark program model of work experience, professional development, and mentorship from transportation industry leaders.
Benefits
- $16.60/hour with FREE CTA, Pace, and Metra transportation
- Network with other high school interns from across the city
- Professional development, financial literacy, and career exploration workshops
- Opportunity to be paid to earn college credit at City Colleges of Chicago
- Technology provided during internship to enhance hybrid experience
Requirements
- Must be 16-18 yrs old; a rising-sophomore to graduated senior, actively enrolled in high school
- 2.5 GPA or above
- Must submit a letter of recommendation from a Principal, Counselor, Teacher, Coach, or Clergy
- Eligible to work in the United States
- COVID-19 Vaccination NO LONGER REQUIRED
Apply before April 17, 2026
Frequently asked questions
7 weeks. The start and end of internships is dependent upon the last week of Chicago Public Schools school year.
High school internships are generally from mid-June until the beginning of August.
Positions are posted mid-February and close mid-April or until we reach our yearly maximum quota.
High School Interns are paid $16.60.
High School Interns work a 25-hour work week Monday-Friday from 9:00am-2:30pm.
Interns are selected based on a completed application, letter of recommendation, and interview scores from the interviewer. The selection process is very competitive.
We accept 16-18 year olds; rising sophomores-seniors.
Applications received after the designated application period will be placed on a “Wait-List.”
Yes! We love to welcome back exceptional interns.