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Summer Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SUMMER PROGRAM: * Maintain Summer Associate files and paperwork. * Assist in coordinating the arrival of Summer Associates, including pre-summer communications and orientation materials. * Serve as ...

Program Coordinator

Evanston, IL Β· On-site

$63K - $66K/yr

Program Planning and Development/Summer Session Assist in strategic planning to promote the growth ... of existing programs and the development of new programs in Summer Session * In collaboration with ...

LFA Summer Camps

Lake Forest, IL Β· On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

Sports camp athletic coaches and assistants * Dorm monitors and supervisors for overnight camps ... Assisting with program activities, games, practices, or events * Supporting coaches, instructors ...

Showing results 41-60

Summer Program Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do summer program assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer program assistant in Illinois is $19.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer program assistant?

Summer Program Assistants are individuals who support the planning, organization, and execution of summer programs, such as camps, educational workshops, or recreational activities. They typically help with supervising participants, setting up activities, and ensuring the safety and engagement of attendees. These assistants may also assist with administrative tasks like registration, communication with parents, and maintaining program materials. Their role is vital in creating a positive and smooth experience for all participants during the summer program.

What are some common challenges faced by a summer program assistant, and how can they be overcome?

Summer Program Assistants often face the challenge of managing large groups of energetic participants while ensuring activities run smoothly and safely. Adaptability and strong communication skills are essential to respond to changing schedules, participant needs, and unexpected situations. Building rapport with both participants and team members helps foster a positive environment, and being proactive in addressing issues can prevent small problems from escalating. Regular check-ins with supervisors and peers also support teamwork and personal growth throughout the program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer program assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, experience in youth supervision or education, and often a high school diploma or some college coursework. Familiarity with scheduling software, basic first aid certification, and activity planning tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential soft skills for connecting with children and supporting program leaders. These competencies ensure a safe, engaging, and well-coordinated environment for participants throughout the summer program.

What skills do you need to be a summer program assistant?

A summer program assistant needs strong communication and organizational skills to manage activities and interact with participants. Basic problem-solving abilities, reliability, and the ability to work in a team environment are also important, along with familiarity with relevant tools or software if applicable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Program jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Summer Program jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Summer Program Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Summer Program Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Program Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,236 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Peoples Gas Dig Into Energy Instructor

Chicago, IL β€’ On-site

After School Matters
201 - 500 employees

$25 - $35/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


After School Matters rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary of Position: After School Matters is seeking temporary, part-time instructors to teach its Peoples Gas Dig Into Energy program during the Summer Session 2026. The Peoples Gas program is an energy management and civic engagement program that will empower high school teens to become experts and advocates of efficient energy use in their communities.
Primary Focus: Teens will learn the role that engineering plays in transporting natural gas to
businesses and residences. The program will teach teens all aspects of natural gas, including how
it is created, its geology, and how gas is turned into fossil fuel. Teens will also meet scientists, engineers, and industry leaders that work in the utility field throughout Chicago. The optimal candidate will have a passion and skill for science, technology, engineering, math and youth development.
Location:
This position has openings at the following locations:
  • After School Matters at Orleans (Cabrini)
  • Michael and Karyn Lutz Center (Belmont Cragin)
  • After School Matters at Gately Park (Pullman)

Responsibilities:
  • Facilitate instruction using a pre-designed energy management curriculum, developed in alignment with After School Matters program guidelines
  • Deliver inquiry-based instruction that engages teens in discovery through participation in demonstrations, hands-on activities, research, and oral presentations
  • Intentionally support critical youth development skills, including leadership development, community building, real-world and experiential learning, public speaking, youth voice and agency
  • Collaborate with teens to build multiple STEM projects throughout the session, including a high visibility culminating showcase presentation
  • Foster a rigorous, cooperative, and engaging learning environment for all, taking in account varied learning strategies and best practices that address diverse abilities and backgrounds
  • Report all problems or concerns and program updates to After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session
  • Attend all planning and program dates, including: instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions
  • Participate in the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants
  • Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (CitySpan)

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Lead a program of approximately 25 teen participants and 1 teen program assistant
  • Supervise teens during program field trips and other youth engagement opportunities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Content area knowledge in energy, physics, engineering, math, or a related STEM field
  • Demonstrated understanding of the relationship between STEM concepts and real world experiences
  • Broad knowledge of relevant STEM terms and definitions
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must be organized and possess a strong attention to detail

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM or education major is required
  • Experience working in a field related to the content area highly preferred
  • Experience teaching, specifically teens, if highly preferred
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required

Schedule:
  • This is a temporary, part-time position scheduled for approximately 25 hours/week for 6 weeks
  • Summer Session runs from late June to early August, Monday-Friday, approximately 5 hours/day
  • Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, and training beginning as early as April 2026

Compensation: $25 - $35 per hour, depending on applicable experience and education
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.
We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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