Obama Youth Jobs Corps 2026 | Paid Internships and Career Training for Students

Apply for the Obama Youth Jobs Corps 2026, a paid internship and workforce readiness program helping Chicago high school students gain career training, mentorship, and real-world job experience through the Obama Foundation and Urban Alliance.

Empowering Chicago’s Youth Through Jobs, Mentorship, and Opportunity

Applications are now open for the Obama Youth Jobs Corps (OYJC) 2026, a paid internship and workforce readiness program that equips high school students with the skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed in college, careers, and beyond.

Created through a partnership between the Obama Foundation, the Obama Presidential Center (OPC), and Urban Alliance, this transformative initiative helps bridge the opportunity gap for students in underserved Chicago communities—preparing them for lifelong success in the professional world.

“We’re investing in our young people because they are the future of our communities. When we give them opportunity, we give everyone a stronger future.”
— President Barack Obama

About the Obama Youth Jobs Corps 2026

The Obama Youth Jobs Corps (OYJC) was launched to expand economic and professional opportunities for high school students from Chicago’s South and West Sides.

Through structured job readiness training, paid internships, and career mentorship, students gain valuable hands-on experience and build pathways to meaningful post-secondary education and employment.

The program is part of President Obama’s broader vision to empower the next generation by investing in education, leadership, and economic equity.

Key Program Partners

The Obama Foundation – Provides leadership support and connects OYJC with local changemakers.
Urban Alliance – A national youth development nonprofit with a proven record of helping young people prepare for successful careers.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) – Works with the program to identify motivated students who would benefit most from mentorship and job experience.
Local Business Partners – Offer real-world internship placements for high school seniors.

Program Impact and Expansion

Since its launch, the Obama Youth Jobs Corps has made a measurable difference in the lives of young Chicagoans.

Over 1,700 tenth and eleventh graders have received job skills and career readiness training.
More than 650 high school seniors have completed paid, professional internships through Urban Alliance’s High School Internship Program.
In 2026, OYJC is expanding to 10 additional Chicago Public Schools, reaching an estimated 4,500 students over three years.

Through a blend of mentorship, career training, and community partnerships, the OYJC is building a new generation of career-ready, confident young leaders.

Programs by Grade Level

The Obama Youth Jobs Corps supports students from sophomore through senior year, helping them progressively develop professional skills before entering college or the workforce.

1. Sophomores – Workforce Readiness Training

Students in 10th grade participate in eight foundational sessions designed to build career awareness, goal setting, and communication skills.
They are taught by Chicago educators trained through Urban Alliance’s Teacher Training Institute, which equips teachers to deliver workforce readiness content effectively.

Core Topics Include:

Time management and professionalism
Resume writing and job application basics
Interview skills and workplace behavior
Understanding workplace diversity and teamwork

2. Juniors – Weekly Workforce Development

In 11th grade, students advance to weekly job skills training sessions that focus on financial literacy, leadership, and long-term planning.

Key Learning Areas:

Financial responsibility and budgeting
Leadership and personal branding
College and career exploration
Communication and problem-solving in the workplace

These workshops ensure students are confident, informed, and prepared for the internship phase of the program.

3. Seniors – Paid Professional Internship

The senior year is the capstone experience of the Obama Youth Jobs Corps.

Students participate in a 10-month paid internship through Urban Alliance’s High School Internship Program, combining:

Real-world work experience
Weekly professional development workshops
One-on-one mentorship
Post-graduation guidance and alumni support

Students are placed at businesses across Chicago, including corporate offices, community organizations, and public institutions.

Benefits Include:

Competitive stipend
Career mentorship
Job references and resume experience
Access to college and career counseling after graduation

Why the Obama Youth Jobs Corps Matters

The OYJC is more than a jobs program — it’s a pathway to opportunity for young people from communities that have historically been overlooked.

By investing in youth potential, the program:

Reduces youth unemployment through early job exposure.
Builds transferable skills that open doors to future careers.
Connects students with mentors who inspire long-term professional growth.
Strengthens local economies by fostering homegrown talent.
Promotes equity by ensuring all students, regardless of background, can access quality professional experiences.

“When young people see what’s possible for them, they start believing in their own potential — and that changes everything.”
— Michelle Obama

Business Partnerships: Join the Movement

The Obama Youth Jobs Corps thrives on collaboration. Local businesses and corporations can become job partners, offering students professional internship placements and mentorship opportunities.

Benefits for Business Partners

Access to motivated, diverse young talent
Community impact and social responsibility visibility
Improved workplace culture through mentorship engagement
Pipeline development for future employees

Businesses participating in OYJC not only help change lives — they also gain fresh perspectives and innovation from Chicago’s next generation of leaders.

Interested organizations can sign up directly through Urban Alliance’s partnership portal.

How to Apply

For Students:

Students attending participating Chicago Public Schools in 10th–12th grade can apply through their school counselor or the Urban Alliance website.

Application Steps:

Complete the online application form.
Submit a teacher or counselor recommendation.
Attend an interview or orientation session.
Begin workforce training or internship placement depending on grade level.

Visit the Urban Alliance website to apply or learn more about eligibility and program locations.

For Businesses:

If you represent a company interested in hosting an intern or partnering with OYJC:

Visit the Urban Alliance partnership page to express interest.
Submit details about your organization and potential roles for students.
The OYJC team will coordinate placement and mentor matching.

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Future Outlook

With continued support from the Obama Foundation, Urban Alliance, and local partners, the Obama Youth Jobs Corps is set to transform workforce preparation for thousands of students in Chicago.

By 2028, the program aims to:

Reach over 6,000 youth across multiple schools.
Expand business partnerships citywide.
Inspire a generation of career-ready, community-minded young professionals.

The long-term vision aligns with the Obama Foundation’s broader mission: empowering the next generation of leaders to create positive change where they live.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Obama Youth Jobs Corps (OYJC)?
OYJC is a partnership between the Obama Foundation, the Obama Presidential Center, and Urban Alliance that offers job training, mentorship, and paid internships to high school students in Chicago.

2. Who can apply?
Students enrolled in participating Chicago Public Schools in grades 10–12 can apply for the program.

3. Is the internship paid?
Yes. Senior students participate in a 10-month paid internship through Urban Alliance’s High School Internship Program.

4. What kind of businesses do students work with?
OYJC partners with a range of companies — from corporate offices and nonprofits to small businesses and government agencies.

5. How is the program structured?

Sophomores: Workforce readiness training
Juniors: Weekly workforce development sessions
Seniors: Paid internship and professional mentoring

6. Do I need prior job experience?
No. The program is designed to help first-time workers gain experience and confidence.

7. How long is the program?
Training begins in 10th grade and continues through senior year, with the internship lasting about 10 months.

8. How can a business partner with OYJC?
Businesses can sign up via Urban Alliance’s website to host interns or contribute to training programs.

9. Is the program only for students in Chicago?
Yes, OYJC currently operates within Chicago Public Schools, focusing on underserved communities.

10. Does participation help with college and career planning?
Absolutely. Students receive post-graduation counseling, financial literacy training, and college preparation support.

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Obama Youth Jobs Corps 2026 | Paid Internships and Career Training for Students

Empowering Chicago’s Youth Through Jobs, Mentorship, and Opportunity