“When we first started this program, it was in response to the pandemic, ongoing racial injustices and the economic downturn, but now we view this program as a legitimate, onramp to the world of working.”
That’s Executive Director of “Our Communities Children”, Shannon L. Harris. She says teens and young adults, ages 15-24 can once again apply for the city’s GRow-1000 Summer Youth Employment Program. This year, the city plans on hiring nearly 200 young people who can expect to earn about 13 dollars an hour, working 20 hours a week.
“They learn transferrable skills that really, they can take anywhere they go. They learn about communication, responsibility, time management, some learn a new talent or skill.”
Harris says more than 1000 will have participated in the program as of this year.
She says it’s a win-win for the young people and businesses that help guide this generation of workers. Employers include city departments, law firms, neighborhood associations and employers involved in STEAM.
Grow1000 is a six-week program that begins June 10th. Applications are being accepted until May 3rd. More information can be found at grandrapidsmi.gov.
