The City of Grand Rapids is launching a summer youth work program providing access and exposure to employment opportunities. The City of Grand Rapids is rolling out what it considers an innovative jobs program for city teens. Consider it a collaborative public-private paid internship exposing area youths to job opportunities, new skills and making critical professional connections.
The city says there are 9,000 residents between the ages 15 to 21. In a news release the initiative called GRow1000 will provide 1000 summer jobs to teens living in “areas have been most heavily impacted by disproportionate outcomes, including COVID-19.”
The six-week program kicks off July 13th. Teens enrolled in the program will work up to 20-hours a week earning $10 an hour. Participants must live in the City of Grand Rapids, be U.S. work eligible between the ages of 15 to 21.
City Manager Mark Washington says, “We are grateful for our partners as we work together to give our community’s youth exposure and access to employment opportunities, practical knowledge and important connections that can prepare them for their future.” Adding, “The fact that roughly 73% of young people in Grand Rapids younger than 18 are persons of color presents a unique opportunity for participating businesses and organizations
Nearly 30 corporations, institutions and organizations are committed to Grow1000 including Grand Valley State University. WGVU Public Media is a licensee of GVSU.
I’m Patrick Center.