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2026 CTA One Summer Chicago (OSC)High School Internship Program Application 2026 CTA One Summer Chicago (OSC)High School Internship Program Application

Learn more and apply: transitchicago.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey...

2026 CTA One Summer Chicago High School Internship Program The Chicago Transit Authority is excited to offer a 7-week summer internship that provides high school students with valuable professional development, mentorship, and work experience. June 15-July 31, 2026 Monday-Friday 9:00 am-2:30 pm Benefits $16.60/ hour with FREE CTA, Pace, and Metra transportation Network with high school interns from across the city Professional development, financial literacy, and career exploration workshops Opportunity to earn real, transferable college credit at City Colleges of Chicago Technology provided to interns for hybrid experience                      Opportunities & Outcomes Participate in workshops aimed at increasing career readiness, leadership skills, and self-growth Learn networking skills with opportunities to connect with college interns and CTA employees Gain technology skills in Microsoft Office Questions? Check out transitchicago.com/internships/highschool/ Or email us at OSCintern@transitchicago.com

We’re working with One Summer Chicago to provide high school students with a 7-week paid internship at CTA!

Interns will participate in a robust hybrid experience that includes an innovative approach to our hallmark model of work experience, professional development, and mentorship.

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All told, CTA raised over $2,000 to support programming that provides human connection, housing support, and health care to those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty.

CTA’s Employee Resource Groups hosted the first-ever CTA Bake-Off!
Over 20 bakers brought their best cookies, bars, cakes, and pies to compete for the crown of “CTA’s Best Baker.” Team members then had a chance to sample and purchase goodies with all donations going to The Night Ministry.

It is fitting to drape our system — which, at its core, is rooted in fair access and opportunity for all — in the image and messaging of the man who we were so lucky to have as our own in this great city.

Even in his life, his spirit permeated our experiences, calling on us all to do more in the fight for justice and equality.
For several weeks at CTA, we are broadcasting a tribute to Rev. Jackson on hundreds of digital screens across our system.

Digital CTA screen at a train station honoring Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. with the quote 'I AM SOMEBODY!' Text below the quote reads, "The CTA honors the life and enduring legacy of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., whose lifelong commitment to civil rights and economic justice echoes through every neighborhood we serve. He inspired generations of Chicagoans to stand up, speak out, and move forward together. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. October 8, 1941- February 17, 2026"

A message from CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen:

For Chicagoans, knowing Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. was nearby in our city, somewhere within our midst, was a great point of pride for us all.

Today, the person at the front of the train is called the train’s “Operator”.
#BlackHistoryMonth

“Motorman” was the name for the position held by the person whose role was to operate the train’s motors and brakes, while a Conductor (separately) operated the doors and, as needed, collected fares in the train—a job Lena was also familiar with, as she’d been the third woman to be a Conductor.

In this photo, Lena Phillips, CTA’s first woman “motorman” is at the controls of a 6000-series train in March of 1975.

The Brown Line was once called "Ravenswood"

The Yellow Line was once called "Skokie Swift"

The Pink Line didn't appear on the map until 2006

The Orange Line was once called "Midway"

The Blue Line was once called "O'Hare- Forest Park- 54/Cermak"

The Green Line was once called "Lake-Ashland/ 63- East 63rd"

Today, the color-coded system is second nature to Chicagoans.

CTA rail lines switched to color names in 1993. Before the switch, they were named by their destinations.

The Red Line was once called "Howard-Dan Ryan"

The Purple Line was once called "Evanston"

Our rail lines weren't always color-coded.

In 1993, CTA rail lines were named by color to make the rail system more user-friendly, particularly for new or occasional riders, out-of-town visitors and commuters who speak English as a second language.

Empty CTA train seats with a text conversation overlay. Text from sender reads, "I saw you in a dream last night" Recipient responds with, "Was I on a CTA train?" Sender responds with, "Uh no" Recipient says, "Wasn't me then"

A city bus at a busy stop with text bubbles showing a humorous conversation about seeing someone in a dream and a CTA bus. Text from sender reads, "I saw you in a dream last night" Recipient responds with, "Was I on a CTA bus?" Sender responds with, "Uh no" Recipient says, "Wasn't me then"

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Elevate your game playing with our Surface Transit & Elevated Lines Playing Cards!

ctagifts.com/collections/...

Reverend Jackson’s voice for equity and opportunity echoed through every neighborhood we serve, inspiring generations of Chicagoans to stand up, speak out, and move forward together.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

The Chicago Transit Authority honors the life and enduring legacy of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., whose lifelong commitment to civil rights and economic justice helped shape the soul of our great city.

And this is just the beginning -- CTA is continuing to expand language access across the system, through additional signage, future multilingual Ventra support, Spanish announcements on buses, and better tools for our frontline employees.

Built from community feedback, we heard clearly that some riders felt transit was only for English speakers. We took that feedback seriously and acted on it. These new signs send a clear message: CTA is for everyone.

CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen, Alderman Nicole Lee, Illinois Rep. Theresa Mah, and a host of civic and community leaders representing the Chinatown area, welcomed the Lunar New Year with the unveiling of new Chinese-language signage at the Cermak-Chinatown station.

Jones, who was 27 at the time, had a perfect driving record of more than a year as one of the CTA's first women bus drivers (after the well-known Mary Wallace, of course).
#BlackHistoryMonth

Betty Jones was the first woman at the CTA to move into the job classification of "collector of fares"—a job of helping bus drivers collect fares at heavy boarding points during rush hours.

Two people holding hands under a platform heater with a heart above and the phrase 'You light up my life!'

Front view of a CTA train on tracks with, "This valentine is running express to your heart" below.

Illustration of train doors with a colorful CTA map above and the phrase 'Next stop: my heart' written on top.

Two blue accordion-style seats side by side with the text 'Be my accordion seat partner?' underneath.

send this to ur valentine 💘

Let's give a hand to this month's graduating class👏🎓

We look forward to seeing all 75 graduates succeed in their new roles in the Rail Station Management, Rail Operations, Control Center, and Bus Operations departments!

Chicago Cubs legend, Ernie Banks (nicknamed Mr. Cub) was a CTA board member from 1969 to 1981.
He was still an active Cubs player when he joined the CTA Board. #BlackHistoryMonth

When you’re ready to board, just find the matching bus stop letter on a bright red disc at the top of the bus stop pole outside the station.

Each station has real-time bus arrivals screens inside that tell you when your bus is coming and which bus stop letter to board at, while neighborhood map posters show where the lettered stops are for all the connecting bus routes.

Our new bus connection enhancements at the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations now make your trip easier!

A train approaches the Ashland Green/Pink station on elevated tracks through a cityscape at sunset.

friendly reminder that post 5 pm sunsets are officially back 🌆