MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON WELCOMES CPS STUDENTS TO CITY HALL FOR INAUGURAL YOUTH MEDIA DAY

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON WELCOMES CPS STUDENTS TO CITY HALL FOR INAUGURAL YOUTH MEDIA DAY

The first-of-its-kind event convened 60 students for hands on media workshops, and the opportunity lead a live press conference while earning state-recognized career endorsements.

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students from five high schools to City Hall for the inaugural Youth Media Day, a hands-on civic learning experience grounded in the City’s 2025 Youth Impact Report. During the event, 60 students worked alongside professional photographers and communications specialists to develop strategic presentations focused on critical city issues, including youth safety and employment opportunities, before having an opportunity to ask a question of Mayor Johnson.

“These students are not just the leaders, entrepreneurs, and journalists of tomorrow, they are actively shaping the future of our city today," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “When we invite young people into spaces like City Hall, we’re not just opening doors, we’re affirming that their voices belong in the decisions that shape Chicago. At a time when powerful forces around our country have sought to silence the voices of journalists, it's more important than ever that we uplift and encourage Chicago’s next generation of storytellers.”

Students from Back of the Yards College Preparatory, Marie Curie Metropolitan High School, Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, Hyde Park Academy, and Carl Schurz High School were invited to City Hall to collaborate with professional media and communications leaders; analyze findings from the Youth Impact Report, participate in team-based workshops focused on youth safety, employment, and access to opportunity; and lead a live press conference alongside the Mayor.

"At CPS, we constantly strive to engage our students in ways that challenge their thinking and spark their curiosity," said CPS Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. "By providing these real-world experiences, we help students discover what truly fulfills them, ensuring they graduate ready to lead happy and successful lives."

Youth Media Day provided students the opportunity to learn by doing, collaborating on real media challenges grounded in the City’s Youth Impact Report and gaining firsthand professional experience.

The Youth Impact Report outlines the City’s investments in youth employment, education pathways, and community safety. By centering the report in a real-world media challenge, Youth Media Day transforms policy into practice; giving students a platform to interrogate, interpret, and communicate the City’s work from a youth perspective.

Through their participation, students earned recognition aligned with the Illinois State Board of Education’s College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) in arts and communications. The experience supports CPS Career and Technical Education pathways and provides participants with portfolio-ready work, professional exposure, and college- and career-connected credentials.

Approximately 1,800 CPS students are currently exploring careers in broadcast and digital media across the District. Initiatives like Youth Media Day strengthen that pipeline by connecting classroom learning to civic leadership and real-time communications work.

Youth Media Day reflects the City’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, career-connected experiences ensuring Chicago’s young people have both a seat at the table and the skills to lead the conversation.

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