Kickback

Activating public spaces to create safer communities.

A year-round employment program empowering youth (16-24) to create positive change in their community. Through event planning, teamwork, and community engagement, participants gain hands-on experience while bringing art, sports, entertainment, and resources to public spaces throughout our vibrant neighborhoods.

Proudly supported by

Logo of the Department of Family and Support Services, featuring a blue square, red star, and black text.
A blue speech bubble with white text that says "My CHI, My Future" and two red stars.
Logo featuring a blue square, a red star, and the word 'CHICAGO' in bold black letters.

Program Highlights

Children and adults playing on a green schoolyard field with a brick school building in the background, tents set up, playground equipment, and a basketball hoop, with sunlight creating a warm glow.

A year-round employment program for youth ages 16–24 that provides paid, hands-on experience while activating public spaces through art, sports, and community engagement.

2026 APPLICATION

TENTATIVE WORK DETAILS

Start Date: July 1, 2026

End Date: December 31, 2026

Weekly Hours

  • Summer — (July - Aug)
    8 weeks — 20hrs/WK

  • Fall/Winter — (Sept - Dec)
    14 weeks — 10hrs/WK

Total of 300 Hours over 22 Weeks

Pay Rate: $17.05/hr

Work Schedule: TBD

Requirements:
— Valid SSN/ITIN

— Live in South Lawndale/La Villita

— Be between 16-24 years old

A man in a black cap and yellow reflective vest showing a phone to a young man in a green t-shirt on a city sidewalk.

OUR IMPACT

40+

Youth-Led Public Events

5000+

Attendees

35+

Partnerships w/vendors 

50+

Jobs Created

$350K+

Youth Wage Distribution

A diagram illustrating age distribution in Kickback Safe Space events, with age groups represented by colored circles labeled with their respective numbers.