Spend spring break at the Austin YMCA for Youth Empowerment Week

Teenagers and young adults looking for a summer job and something to do during spring break can attend the  Westside Ministers Coalition’s free Youth Empowerment Week April 2-5.

Daily workshops, along with breakfast and lunch breaks, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day and are available for people ages 14 to 24. All the workshops and events – which are free – will be held at the Austin YMCA, 501 N. Central Ave.

A career strategy workshop will kick off the week Monday, April 2 where attendees can learn how to prepare a resume and about job opportunities.

On Tuesday, April 3, participants will learn about healthy lifestyle choices. The workshops will focus on healthy eating, said David Wise, a case manager at the Westside Health Authority, one of a handful of organizations sponsoring the week.

Wednesday, April 4 is youth violence prevention day. Wise said the workshops will focus on racial profiling while applying for jobs, among other topics.

An advocacy luncheon is scheduled for that afternoon where members from Austin Safety Networks and public officials will share testimonials and success stories with participants, according to Jonathan Currie of the Westside Health Authority.

Currie said entertainment will follow lunch with performances by Isa Starr, Joseph Bard and live painting by Tony Collins, among others.

The week will end with a career fair Thursday, April 5, which will include mock interviews and opportunities for participants to speak with potential employers.

Representatives from various local companies will be at the fair accepting applications for summer employment and other opportunities. Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium, After School Matters and Inspiration Corporation are among those employers expected, according to Currie.

To attend any of the week’s events, participants must bring a photo ID with proof of age, Social Security number and a parent consent form if younger than 18. Parent consent forms can be picked up Monday morning or before at the Westside Health Authority, located at 5437 W. Division St.

For more information, call the Westside Health Authority at 773-378-5034.

You can also register beforehand by clicking here.

Click here to apply for summer jobs through Youth Ready Chicago.