More than 100 Chicago-area teens worked all summer through the Career Compass Project, helping local schools and neighborhoods—only to learn they won’t get their final paychecks. Many had expected around $1,000, but thanks to Illinois’ failure to release most of a $250,000 state grant, the nonprofit overseeing the payment received just $17,000. That left the program unable to distribute nearly $100,000 owed to these students.
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Students like Dorothy Omokowajo and Ian Walker say their summer job was more than a paycheck—it was meaningful work with purpose. But now, they’ve been hit with frustration and disappointment instead of what they earned. Dorothy shared, “I just don’t have a clear reason as to why this is happening to us.” Ian described it as a “gotcha” moment—no punchline. (Black Enterprise)
Barbara Green-Kenan, the program manager, called issuing the no-work warning to students a gut-wrenching moment—“That’s a horrible feeling.”
The state’s silence continues. CFO James Lyles confirmed they’re working to deliver the money but offered no timeline: “We need to get this money in for these kids… and not leave a bad taste in their mouth when it’s all over.” (CBS News)
Why It Matters
This wasn’t just another summer job—it was a chance for young residents to build, serve, and grow. Coming away empty-handed isn’t just unfair—it can shake a teen’s trust in opportunities around them. The state’s failure not only impacted their wallets—it threatened their sense of hope.
