(COOK COUNTY) — The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) announced that it is meeting the HUD challenge by connecting dozens of youth between the ages of 16-21, to summer employment, academic and job readiness opportunities.

HACC recognizes the value in providing summer jobs to young HACC residents and the positive effects of building self-confidence during the process. Additionally, the long term improvements to academic outcomes throughout the school year are greatly improved. Job and paid internship programs also help youth to develop positive relationships within the community leading to strong work habits and skills throughout their adult lives.

“It’s a top priority for us to create employment and education opportunities, so that we give these youth the skills, training, and knowledge to be the workforce leaders of tomorrow and responsible citizens within their community,” said HACC Executive Director Richard Monocchio.

In addition to the HACC’s existing after school and summer programs with the Boys & Girls Clubs, the agency hosts a variety of apprentice, manufacturing and training programs throughout the year. The HACC recently announced an education program called the HACC Scholar’s Promise, a young scholar’s education program dedicated to improving the quality of life for the next generation’s future. Forty low income students who meet eligibility criteria will be selected and assigned long-term personalized coaching, tutoring, financial assistance, academic advising, personal supports, life skills and career readiness. Ultimately, the students will complete the program and earn a college degree to launch them into promising careers and four-year universities.

“We firmly believe that stable housing with job training and education opportunities can be a platform for academic achievement and employment among these disadvantaged youth – which is why we are so excited about the HACC Scholar’s Promise,” he added.

Last year, the HACC organized three job readiness fairs and hired several interns for the summer jobs program with a focus in communications, accounting, management and legal affairs. The agency has a job fair scheduled for April 28, 2016, where more than 25 businesses and agencies will be hiring voucher holders on site, and offering training and internship opportunities to youth for the summer.

The HACC’s 2016 Summer Youth Internship and Job Readiness Programs include commitments from several area businesses and agencies across Chicago and Illinois. The agency projects that it will assist dozens of youth to secure paid internships, summer jobs and academic opportunities for the upcoming 2016-2017 school year.

The Housing Authority of Cook County is proud to join HUD and the national effort to connect youth to summer employment, education, and job readiness programs by posting its results and first hand testimonials to social media by July 1, 2016.

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