Chicago Public Schools Promotes Summer Learning Programs, Jobs and Enrichment Opportunities (Chicago, IL) – As the 2025-26 school year comes to a close, Chicago Public Schools is encouraging students and families to take advantage of a wide range of summer learning, enrichment and employment opportunities available across the city.
District officials say hundreds of programs will be available throughout the summer, including academic support, literacy initiatives, STEM activities, career exploration programs, internships, arts education and recreational opportunities designed to keep students engaged until classes resume on Aug. 24.
“School doors may close Thursday afternoon, but our students’ minds must stay open to new adventures and learning opportunities this summer,” said CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King. “We’re proud to collaborate with dedicated City, nonprofit and private partners that expand access to parks, libraries, museums, recreational facilities, summer reading, STEM activities, artistic endeavors, internships, job training and more.”
Summer reading opportunities
A major focus of the district’s summer efforts is literacy development.
Chicago Public Library’s annual Summer at CPL program returns under the theme “Chapters of Chicago,” celebrating neighborhood stories, culture and creativity through events and activities citywide.
CPS students also continue to benefit from The 81 Club, a partnership with Chicago Public Library that automatically provides students access to library resources across all 81 CPL locations. Through the program, students can access millions of books, digital resources, online databases and academic support services.
“Summer reading should flourish,” said CPS Literacy Director Jane Fleming. “Staying immersed in joyful reading throughout the summer months helps keep students’ skills sharp for the 2026-27 school year.”
STEM learning continues through summer
The district is also expanding access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics experiences throughout the break.
CPS STEM Executive Director Corey Morrison encouraged families to incorporate STEM learning into everyday activities.
“Summer is the perfect time for STEM activities,” Morrison said. “STEM starts at home with everyday things you already do with your kids.”
The district offers more than 30 math fluency games online, designed to help students strengthen math skills using simple materials such as playing cards and printable game boards.
Students can also participate in specialized programs focused on computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, engineering and technology. Among the offerings are a paid CPS Robotics Internship Program and a Cybersecurity Summer Camp for High School Girls.
Jobs, internships and career development
Through Chicago Youth Works, formerly known as One Summer Chicago, approximately 29,000 jobs and internships are expected to be available for youth ages 14 to 24.
CPS also plans to place approximately 1,400 high school students in paid career-connected learning internships with more than 250 industry partners.
Additional workforce and career readiness opportunities include 47 Career and Technical Education camps serving middle school students across more than 20 high schools.
Summer programs across CPS
District officials said roughly 215 CPS schools will offer academic and enrichment programming four days per week this summer, serving an estimated 12,000 students.
Programs include:
- Academic support and credit recovery courses
- English learner programs serving approximately 2,200 students
- Arts, dance and drama enrichment
- Sustainable Community Schools programming
- High School Connections programs serving more than 8,000 incoming freshmen
- Postsecondary support for more than 15,000 recent graduates and alumni
Community partnerships expand opportunities
Beyond CPS-operated programs, students can participate in activities offered by the Chicago Park District, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, local museums and community organizations.
The YMCA’s Get Summer initiative will provide free access to seven YMCA locations for Chicago teens ages 12 to 18 throughout the summer.
Families can also attend the Chicago W.O.W. (Words of Wonder) Lit Fest on July 25 at Gately Park, featuring author talks, book signings and interactive workshops designed to promote literacy and family engagement.
At Beulah Shoesmith Elementary School, students headed into summer with reading, math and science workbooks designed to help prevent learning loss during the extended break.
“With a longer summer break this year, our school wanted to keep our kindergarten through sixth grade students’ brains bright and sharp,” said Principal Kai Murray. “A few minutes of practice now means a confident start to the next school year.”
Chicago Public Schools Promotes Summer Learning Programs, Jobs and Enrichment Opportunities
