GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Teenagers and young adults may now apply for the City of Grand Rapids' "GRow1000" Summer Youth Employment Program.
It will run June 10th through July 19th.
The city said it will hire nearly 200 people ages 15 to 24, so they can earn money while gaining workplace skills. Participants earn $13 dollars an hour, and work 20 hours per week. It includes workshops every Friday. Workshops focus on customer service, growth mindset, peer learning and networking.
Applications are being accepted through May 13th.
Here are more details in the city's news release:
“GRow1000 is a great summer opportunity for our city’s young people. These jobs can lead to discovering one’s sense of self by exploring career pathways. They also prepare people for future success,” City Manager Mark Washington said. “I recall my first exposure to local government 37 years ago working in a municipal department during a summer program while in high school.”
Youth will work the six-week program Monday, June 10 to Friday, July 19. Growers can also choose to have a mentor assigned to ensure a successful GRow1000 experience.
Ah’Nyah D. worked last year as a student teacher for the Aquinas College STEM Greenhouse. She said, "The coordinator and employers did a great job by deligating responsibility to employees. I cannot think of a way to enhance the experience.”
GRow1000 participants must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be between 15 and 24-years-old as of June 10, 2024
- Live in the city of Grand Rapids
- Be eligible to work in the U.S.
Youth may apply for the GRow1000 program HERE. Bus passes will be available upon request.
During the global pandemic in 2020, City leaders established the GRow1000 program. It was built as a strategy to mitigate the effects of the economic downturn, closures and heighten racial injustices. To date, the program has employed nearly 1,000 youth in meaningful summer jobs at a variety of locations throughout the city.
In 2024, the City of Grand Rapids will continue to serve as the employer of record. Our Community’s Children – a public/private partnership between the City, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners – will manage the program day-to-day.
"I encourage partners in our business community to register for GRow1000 today. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our youth," Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. "The return on investment is real for both youth and businesses alike. Creating opportunities for youth has a direct and lasting impact on their lives."
Businesses and organizations can take part in one of two ways:
- Provide paid job or internship experiences. The amount per youth placement is $1,600. Businesses can register HERE.
- Provide financial contributions to support placement of youth at local nonprofit organizations. Individuals are also welcome to donate. To donate, CLICK HERE. Youth applications and business registrations are due by Friday, May 3.
Support for business partners include:
- Employer orientation at Grand Rapids City Hall
- Easy, two-step weekly timesheet submissions for both employees and employers
- Full-time program coordinator support and on-site visits by Our Community’s Children staff
- Electronic GRow1000 Employer feedback forms
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