High school interns develop skills and valuable experience in the transit industry
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) One Summer Chicago (OSC) Internship Program on Wednesday showcased the skills and talents of high school externs during a pop-up store event at CTA’s headquarters
CTA partnered with CPS Southside Occupational Academy (SOA) to offer 30 high school student externs with disabilities unique occupational learning experiences that allowed them to be contributing members of the CTA team. This summer CTA’s SOA externs contributed to the Authority’s beautification project by using the skills learned in their SOA horticulture program to plant flowers at one of the CTA bus garages. It’s the latest cohort of high school students who have looked to CTA for valuable experience and lessons that prepare them for success in the future.
“One Summer Chicago reflects the commitment of leaders in our city to invest in the future generations of Chicago while building on the potential of a stronger workforce and meaningful opportunities for the city’s youth,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “My hope is that the interns who complete their internship journey at CTA, come away equipped with valuable work skills and experiences that will serve them in their future careers but also a sense of dedication to and value for public service.
This summer, SOA externs developed skills in areas such as art, horticulture, culinary arts, and more. As part of their externship, students crafted various CTA-themed items, which they showcased and sold at the CTA SOA Pop-Up Store. All proceeds are benefiting Southside Occupational Academy’s Community-Based Instruction program.
In addition to learning how to create these items, these externs gained valuable lessons in sales, customer service, and entrepreneurship. This externship is part of a broader initiative by the CTA, highlighted at the last board meeting, where the successes of the 2024 CTA OSC High School Internship Program were celebrated.
The latest cohort of OSC interns included 275 students from Chicago-area high schools who received work experience and professional development. The CTA internship program has grown by leaps and bounds under CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. from 65 students in 2016.
The CTA’s internship and externship programs help youth cultivate a positive personal and professional brand as they plan for their futures.
Eligible CTA One Summer Chicago high school interns can earn college credit during their internship through CTA’s partnership with City Colleges of Chicago’s Olive-Harvey College. Interns can also participate in a professional development track with CTA or its partner Accenture’s Learn 2 Lead curriculum. Additionally, interns participate in self-guided financial literacy curriculums through the My Chi My Future platform and seminars on topics such as banking, budgeting, saving, investing, and entrepreneurship, facilitated by the Economic Awareness Council.
For more information on participating in future CTA One Summer Chicago programs, please visit https://www.transitchicago.com/internships/.
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