Teen School Year Assistantship: Application Journey

Interested in applying for a Chicago Public Library School Year Assistantship? 

Check out the steps below for a guide on how to navigate the process and tips on how to prepare for the application and interview. 

Learn more about available programs. 

Before you apply

  • Ensure that you are eligible for a CPL Teen Assistantship.
    • You must live in the City of Chicago 
    • You must attend a Chicago High School 
    • You must be between the ages of 14-19 at the program start date of January 9, 2027 
    • Make sure you have time to fill out the application with your personal information: Full legal name, birthdate, email address, high school, grade and zip code. 
    • The application includes a series of open-ended questions. Make sure you give yourself enough time to complete these questions. The answers to these questions will determine whether or not you are selected for an interview so make sure to fill them out thoroughly. 
    • Pro-Tip: Make sure to review the job descriptions for each position. This will help you answer the application questions! 
    • CPL Assistantship applications are only available through the Chicago Public Library application form. You will not be able to apply for these positions through the After School Matters application. 

After your application

  • You will receive an email confirmation with a summary of your application. 
  • If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email notification by November 10. 

Interview Process

  • Your interview selection email will include a link to Microsoft Bookings where you can schedule your virtual interview.  
  • Each program (Chicago Teen Gamer’s Guild, Teen Best Reads, Teen Media Lab) has a separate interview. 
  • You cannot be considered for a position until you complete an interview. 
  • Download Microsoft Teams Meetings before your interview time and double check your audio and video works. 
  • You can use Microsoft Teams on your phone or on a desktop computer. 
  • Need help setting up the tech for your interview? Visit your local library branch for help. 
  • Interviews are for applicants only; parents and guardians should not participate in the virtual interviews. 

Tips for a Successful Interview 

Check out these tips from After School Matters for a successful interview: 

  • Arrive on time 
  • Be yourself 
  • Share your interests honestly 
  • Ask questions 
  • Demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn 
  • Come prepared ready to talk specifically about the programs you applied for 
  • Instructors aren’t expecting you to know everything. We are looking for teens who are interested, engaged and ready to participate. 

Enrollment

Step 1: Receive Your Offer from Chicago Public Library 

If selected, you will receive an email from Chicago Public Library asking you to fill out a form to formally accept your position. 

Note: If you applied for multiple CPL positions, we will only offer you one position and you will not be able to change programs or locations after accepting.  

Step 2: Get Ready for Your Program 

Get ready for your program by making sure you have: 

  • Your program schedule 
  • Program location 
  • Assistantship Orientation Information 

Step 3: Complete your After School Matters paperwork at a scheduled program meeting 

During the first month of your program your instructor will walk you through all of the steps and paperwork to enroll with After School Matters. 

For this process, you will need your Social Security Number, Parent/Guardian Information and access to your email.