Resource List | April 9, 2026

We post a weekly resource list featuring key opportunities in Illinois. The Resource List includes workshops, cohorts, career and funding opportunities, and more.

Check out this week's resource list!

These events are presented by state, local and neighborhood organizations.

The list is also posted to West Side Forward's social media platforms.

Career Opportunities

• Chicago CACC is hiring a Program Specialist. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 13.

• Cook County Public Defender is hiring an Administrative Assistant II. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 22.

• Chicago Cares is hiring a Manager, Corporate Philanthropy.

• Common Pantry is hiring a Bilingual Social Services Coordinator, full-time Development Associate, and a contracted Communication Consultant.

• Green City Market is looking for a Culinary Connections Manager and Edible Education Manager.

• Latino Union of Chicago is hiring an Organizing Director.

• Grant Park Music Festival is hiring a Development Events Assistant.

• Garfield Park Conservatory is looking for a full-time Teen Program Specialist and part-time Retail and Visitor Service Associate.

• Chicago Jobs Council is hiring a Training & Development Program Coordinator and Policy Advocacy Manager.

• Illinois Secretary of State is seeking to fill 120+ positions for its Summer Job Program. Illinois students who are currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior or will be attending a post-secondary program (college or trade school) this fall are encouraged to apply.

• MUSE Community + Design (MUSE) is looking for a Senior Associate.

• City Bureau is seeking a Senior Site Success Manager.

• Block Club Chicago is seeking a Membership Manager.

• Chicago Workers’ Collaborative is hiring a Financial Assistant and Data and Communications Organizer.

• Illinois Department of Public Health is hiring a Clinical Laboratory Technologist 1.

• Housing Authority of Cook County is hiring a Housing Specialist, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Deputy Chief, Housing Choice Voucher Program.

• Urban Autism Solutions is looking for a PT Farmers Market & Volunteer Manager.

• Chicago Commons is hiring multiple positions including an Activity Aide, Chief Financial Officer, Floater Site Director, and more.

Scholarships

• Applications are now being accepted for the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) Scholarship. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10.

Internships

• Kids First Chicago is looking for a Development & Communications Intern and Community Engagement & Policy Intern.

Hiring Events

• Chicago Urban League is hosting a Youth Job Fair on Saturday, April 11 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at 4510 S. Michigan.

• Spring Citywide Career Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 22 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Olive Harvey College Main Building (10001 S. Woodlawn Ave).

• UCAN is hosting a Spring Hiring Fair on Wednesday, April 22 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 3640 W. Fillmore Street, Chicago, IL 60624.

• 36th Ward Summer Youth Job Fair will be held on Thursday, April 23 starting at 5:00 PM at 36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office (6560 W Fullerton Ave, Suite #C118).

• Alderman Jason Ervin is hosting the 28th Ward Career and Resource Fair on Friday, May 1 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the JLM Center.

• Illinois Department of Public Health is hosting a State of Illinois Career Fair on Tuesday, May 12 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 13323 S Green Bay Ave.

Events

• Justice in Action: Reentry & Police Accountability Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, April 14 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Freedom Defense Center of Austin (5500 W. Madison St).

• Douglass Park Earth Day Cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Douglass Park.

• Chicago’s Annual Citywide Clean & Green Day will be held on Saturday, April 18. This is a citywide day of service where residents, school groups, and community organizations come together to clean and beautify local areas. Call 3-1-1 for more information or to register. The registration deadline is Monday, April 13.

• Illinois Secretary of State is hosting a Business Services Resource Fair on Monday, April 27 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Malcolm X College, Room 1106 (1900 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL).

• Tree House Humane Society is hosting a free Vaccine Pop-Up on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The following zip codes are eligible 60651, 60639, 60644, and 60624⁠.

• The 2026 Chicago Preservation Expo, presented by Chicago Department of Planning and Development, will be held on Monday, May 18 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.

Community Opportunities

• The Chi Food Truck Fest is accepting applications. Participating trucks must be licensed by the City of Chicago as a mobile food vehicle. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 17 at 11:59 PM.

• The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is forming a Community Advisory Committee. Committee members will represent diverse communities across Chicago, provide input on COPA policies under review, and serve as a communication bridge between COPA and residents. Chicago residents are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 30.

• Chicago Public Library Foundation is looking for Associate Board members. Applications for the 2026 recruitment cycle are due by Tuesday, May 5 at 11:59 PM CST.

• My Block, My Hood, My City is offering volunteer opportunities on Chicago's South and West Sides. Volunteers will be picking up, cutting overgrowth, mowing, planting, and more.

• Open Books Pilsen is offering Yoga Qi Fridays every Friday at 9:00 AM at 905 W. 19th Street. Yoga Qi classes are free and open to all.