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Recorded Sept. 25, 2008
Broadcast Date 9/28/08

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Over the summer, Chicago saw a spike in violent crime and gang related shootings.  Nearly every week, news reports told of drive-bys, innocents caught in the crossfire, and another Chicago Public School student slain. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recorded June, 2008

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For teens, summer vacation used to mean hanging out with friends, finding that summer job and making extra money. But today, with cuts in federal funding for jobs and rising unemployment rates, more and more young people cannot find that badly needed summer job.In Chicago, the prevalence of gangs and street violence makes finding summer employment all the more important. Especially in low-income communities where jobs are scarce, some young people turn to drug dealing.

Local community groups are getting the word out to Springfield that youth employment initiatives need funding. In the past, youth employment programs led to future year-round positions and even made some drop-outs return to school.

On this episode of “City Voices,” we’ll hear from an organizer for youth employment, Jack Wuest from Alternative Schools Network.