City Year Summer Toolkit by

Future 7th, 8th, 9th graders: After School Matters

2023-05-24 14:09:27 UTC

Students ages 14+ can apply to July/August apprenticeship programs and earn between $375-$1575. Learn about arts, communications & leadership, sports, and STEM!

Middle school: Tutor kids for $$$!

2023-05-24 14:29:35 UTC

Many parents want their kids to practice math and reading skills over the summer and are willing to pay you! Here's how you can create your own summer tutoring business:
1. Make flyers that include your name, contact info, the subject you want to tutor, and how much you charge (for example, $10 an hour).
2. Put flyers up in nearby libraries, cafes, community centers.
3. Wait for people to contact you- in the meantime you can reach out to family, friends, and neighbors who might be interested. Once people contact you, work with them on where to meet for tutoring sessions. You can meet at the library, a cafe, restaurants, the park, etc.!
4. Start tutoring! For reading, you can get books from the library to read with kids- think reading buddies!. For math, you can find math workbooks at the library or use free online resources (like Khan Academy).

*check with your parent/guardian before doing this!

Future Fourth Graders

2023-05-24 14:34:00 UTC

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

A story about how a smart and stealthy fox who tricks three evil farmers that try to trap him.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez

A story about a 12 year old girl who is new to school and bravely pushes the rules, questions authority, and stays true to herself.

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn

A story about a young girl who has been the parent to her little brother for a very long time but finally gets the opportunity to act like a kid herself.

Future Fifth Graders

2023-05-24 14:34:15 UTC

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

A story about a fifth grade boy with a facial difference who has some obstacles to face and friendships to build while he fights to be treated like an ordinary kid.

Holes by Louis Sachar

A story about a boy who has been wrongly sent to a detention camp where he has to dig up holes all summer long. It doesn't take long for this boy to realize there is something else going on and he needs to solve the mystery.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

A story about a girl and her black "stand-in mother" who escape their racist town in South Carolina and wind up being taken in by an amazing trio of black beekeepers.

Future Sixth Graders

2023-05-24 14:34:23 UTC

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

A story about a boy who has to stay with his grandma who he thinks is boring, however, he doesn't know that his grandma is a famous jewel thief that is planning to steal the Crown Jewels.

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Mildred D. Taylor

A story about a strong girl and her families fight to keep their land and independence in the face of racism and social injustice.

Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya

A story about a middle school boy who is seen as a monster by his teachers and peers. After a fight at school gets him suspended this boy goes to Puerto Rico in search of his father and finds himself along the way.

Future Seventh Graders

2023-05-24 14:34:32 UTC

Tight by Torrey Maldonado

A story about a boy who minds his own business and stays out of trouble but makes a new friend who is pushing him to do things he shouldn't. Will he be able to stay true to himself or will he cave to peer pressure?

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

A story about a middle school girl who has to leave Syria, as well as her brother and father, to go to the US. She faces hardships, but also discovers exciting opportunities in her new life within the US.

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore

A story about a middle school boy from Harlem who is dealing with the death of his older brother who died from gang related gun violence. Going forward this boy must grapple with the painful loss of his brother while making hard decisions that will affect his own future.

Future Eighth Graders

2023-05-24 14:34:46 UTC

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

A story of a boy who lives in Sudan in the 1980's when his village is attacked and he must embark on an unbelievable journey that leads him to a strange new land. Years later a girl walks 8 hours a day for water but there is hope for a bright future. This story shows the overlap between the lives of this boy and this girl.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

A story about a teenage girl who struggles to find balance between the poor neighborhood she is from and the fancy prep school she attends. After she witnesses a cop wrongfully kill her childhood best friend the realities of racism in the US become all too prevalent.

Night Hoops by Carl Deuker

A story about two teenage boys who have nothing in common but their love of the game basketball. These boys form an unlikely friendship that they must rely on as they each go through their own life struggles.

Future Highschoolers

2023-05-24 14:44:06 UTC

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

A funny and honest story about a boy who lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation and transfers to an all-white school. He takes his future into his own hands and does what he needs to do to change the future he was destined to have.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

A story about a teenage boy who has been accused of murder. This boy becomes a pawn in the hands of "the system" and must face who he is and the reality that he may spend the rest of his life in prison. To cope with his uncertain future this teenager turns his reality into a movie script and makes discoveries about both himself and society along the way.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

A story about a teenage girl who's brother is arrested for treason in a brutal dystopian world. She must risk her life and tackle obstacles she does not think she is strong enough to face in order to save her brother. This girl is stronger than she knows.

Future 9th graders (14+): art internship

2023-05-24 17:33:50 UTC

The Chicago Public Art Group is offering internships for students 14 and up. If you are interested, contact 312.427.2724 for details!

Middle school and up: more $$$ ideas!

2023-05-25 13:34:02 UTC

- Babysit! You can even watch kids while the parent is at home to give them a break. You can figure out how much to charge based on your experience, the number and ages of kids you are watching, and how long you watch them! A good starting price is $10 and hour.
- Dog-walking! If you love animals, see if you can walk your neighbor's dog for some cash. Most dogs need 2 walks a day, but many people are too busy to make this happen- this is where you come in!
- Online clothing sales! Sell clothes you've grown out of and don't wear anymore on Depop (with parent/guardian permission) and at thrift/vintage stores. You can also sell shoes and accessories!

Future 8th/9th graders (ages 14+): One Summer Chicago

2023-05-25 13:39:57 UTC

Students ages 14+ can apply to summer jobs with the City of Chicago through One Summer Chicago! Applications are due June 10.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

2023-05-25 13:50:48 UTC

Free jazz concerts every Tuesday this summer at the Museum of Contemporary Art downtown!

Millenium Park Summer Music Series

2023-05-25 13:59:36 UTC

Free concerts at Millennium Park all summer!

Free dance lessons/event at Millennium Park

2023-05-25 14:11:32 UTC

Chicago SummerDance is hosting free dance lessons and dance events this summer at Millennium Park and other parks around the city! Learn how to salsa, swing dance, and more.

Tuesday Movie Nights!

2023-05-25 14:19:47 UTC

Millenium Park has free movie nights on Tuesdays this summer!

Air and Water Show: August 19-20

2023-05-25 14:23:13 UTC

Head to the lake for the FREE Air and Water Show!

Free Movie in Douglass Park

2023-05-25 17:42:57 UTC

Watch Space Jam (2021) for free at Douglass Park! This movie is showing on Friday, July 14 at 8:30pm.

Free Blues/R&B concert in Douglass Park

2023-05-25 17:46:08 UTC

The 290 East Ramblers are giving a free concert at Douglass Park! Relax and listen to some blues and R&B from 2-3pm on Saturday, August 5.

Art, culture, performance, and wellness event in Douglass Park

2023-05-25 17:48:52 UTC

Enjoy art, wellness activities, and cultural performances at Unity Walk in Douglass Park! This event will be from 11am-1pm on Saturday, August 5.

NLCCC 7th Annual Arts Festival at Douglass Park

2023-05-25 17:51:37 UTC

On Saturday, August 5 from 11am-7pm, the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council will host its 7th annual Arts Festival in Douglass Park!

Indonesian dance performance in Douglass Park!

2023-05-25 17:55:05 UTC

Learn about the dance styles of the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali at this free performance in Douglass Park! This performance is from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, August 19.

MADD Rhythms: A MADD Mixtape at Homan Square

2023-05-25 18:00:22 UTC

This dance performance combines many different styles, including Hip Hop and tap; it's an "on-stage party" with a live DJ! Enjoy this free event on Friday, August 11 6-7:30pm.

Future 4th Graders ELA/Social Studies

2023-05-26 17:31:30 UTC

For any upcoming interested learning more about ELA, visit this website to help you learn more about what things to prepare for transitioning from 3rd to 4th.

ELA Common Core for Future 5th Graders

2023-05-30 13:12:04 UTC

For any students interested to learn more ELA subjects to be prepared for 5th grade, this website helps with resources and provide information.

How To Tie-Dye

2023-05-30 13:29:30 UTC

How To Make Slime

2023-05-30 13:33:08 UTC

How To Make Friendship Bracelets

2023-05-30 13:36:26 UTC

How To Make Playdough

2023-05-30 13:43:11 UTC

How To Make Origami

2023-05-30 13:44:41 UTC

Future 6th Graders LA

2023-05-30 14:03:04 UTC

For students who are going into 6th grade, this resource is helpful for learning more about what to do for ELA. Many useful tools to be prepared for the grade level requirements.

Homeschool Curriculum for Future 7th Graders

2023-05-30 14:06:27 UTC

This website helps for upcoming 7th graders for more ways to learn more ELA activities. Writing Essays, reading more confidential books, learning new words and phrases, more verbs and pronouns for essays, etc.

Future 8th Graders ELA

2023-05-30 14:19:36 UTC

This site is for helping students who are transitioning to high school resources for 8th grade ELA materials(English Language Art)

How To Make a Duct Tape Wallet

2023-05-30 14:40:23 UTC

Noble high school(s)

2023-05-31 13:36:45 UTC

Here is the Noble school's official website. I would love it if you guys dug into this website to hopefully find your home for the next step toward your education!

Advance Placement (AP) classes

2023-05-31 14:12:24 UTC

AP classes are a great way to get college credits while being in high school. This will lead to saving money once college comes around!

Douglass park library

2023-05-31 14:31:31 UTC

As the school year concludes, we must look forward to the next school year. Reading is the most essential tool in life, that's why Douglass park library offers community reading events, art events, and "CHI-TEENS STORIES"!

CPS summer programs. Before and after school programs

2023-05-31 14:38:43 UTC

Here is a valuable resource for all. This website will show all the "Before and after school" and "Summer programs". I highly recommend all to look over this website with a trusted adult to keep the mind busy and healthy throughout the summer as this resource will lead to future connections!

Chicago public library official page!

2023-05-31 14:50:02 UTC

I know some of you guys come a long way to arrive at Chalmers. So, here is the official Chicago library page. This page has all events though-out the entire Chicago for you and your friends. I hope you guys find some free and fun plans!

Getting ready for next year

2023-06-05 11:53:39 UTC

If you want to get a head start on next year, Khan Academy is a great resource. They offer free courses with in-depth videos for any math skill imaginable.

Want to play football? Check out the North Lawndale Eagles.

2023-06-05 12:38:49 UTC

Girls in the Game Summer Camp

2023-06-05 12:54:42 UTC

This all-girls summer camp is a great way to make new friends all while having fun outside. You will get to play sports, dance, go on field trips, and learn how to be a leader.

Want to work on you multiplication check out this online times table

2023-06-05 13:03:41 UTC

Chess is a great way to build critical thinking skills and fun game to play with friends. If you've never played or just want to get better here you go.

2023-06-05 13:06:10 UTC

Here is another free resource for keeping your math mind ready.

2023-06-05 13:13:22 UTC

Math can be boring, but these games will make sure you have fun while learning.

2023-06-05 13:22:21 UTC

Want to get in shape? Planet fitness is offering a free summer gym membership for teens.

2023-06-05 14:15:09 UTC

Want to play organized sports?

2023-06-05 14:26:20 UTC

Chicago Rec Sports offers summer leagues for basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and track.

YMCA

2023-06-05 15:05:27 UTC

The YMCA offers several summer programs including camps and sports leagues.