A transformed liquor store in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood is now a pop-up market offering fresh produce for an area often hit with food insecurity. It’s an effort by Austin teenagers, with funding from Chicago professional athletes, and the By the Hand Kids Club. But it was an idea driven by the teens. The widespread protests… Read More

Museums, libraries, and other organizations in Chicago offer summer learning opportunities for teenagers in the form of internships, jobs, and other programs. Many offer payment or stipends, or the chance to earn a college scholarship. There are also academic programs available to find out more about the college experience. Camp College. Camp college is a… Read More

The end of the school year isn’t working out as expected for graduating senior Aliyah. But she’s determined to start her studies in the fall to become a police officer. Just like high school seniors all over the country, she’s missing all of the usual end-of-school milestones because of the lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic…. Read More

The challenge for Chicago students visiting a library over winter break is for them to learn to “Do It Yourself.” Young readers who complete all of the activities before Jan. 7 will earn a prize. Check out some books and activities for inspiration and then do it yourself! What are you interested in? What would… Read More

Student athletes interested in basketball and wrestling can enroll in summer sports camps to sharpen their playing skills. Basketball: A free one-day basketball clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Walther Christian Academy, 900 Chicago Ave., Melrose Park. This basketball clinic will be a unique mixture of exercises,… Read More

Teenagers in the Austin neighborhood can apply for summer programs that offer hands-on experience in a variety of job fields and pay a stipend at the same time. After School Matters has provided a wide variety of extracurricular programs for Chicago teens for 30 years. This summer, they are offering both remote and in-person opportunities,… Read More