Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Chicago teens want more jobs and businesses in their neighborhoods, survey shows

suntimes.com · 2h · first reportShare

Chicago teens would like to see more investment in job opportunities and businesses on the South and West sides, according to a survey conducted by My Block, My Hood, My City this summer. The youth empowerment nonprofit collected responses in July during Downtown Day , an annual initiative that brings 1,000 teens into the city for a day of experiences that they select. Each participant was given a $50 prepaid debit card to use at destinations of their choice, which included the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Water Tower Place and dozens more. Teens were also asked how and where they would invest $50,000 — mirroring the collective sum of their gift cards — by placing push pins on a map of Chicago during the event. Of the 121 survey respondents, nearly 20% chose jobs as a priority, while about 15% chose businesses and retail. About 47% of the teens chose South Side community areas for all types of investment, while nearly 35% targeted the West Side. Teens raise thei