Life-changing summer jobs for youths
Life-changing summer jobs for youths
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Subsidized
summertime employment helps young Rhode Islanders secure their future |
It can be a life-changer - that summer job affirming an interest in a particular field and providing contacts and a network of friends that launched somebody into a successful career. Last year, the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island's (WPGRI) Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) opened this pathway for 800 young people ages 14 to 24. The SYEP is a route to gain real-world work experience, earn what might be a first paycheck, and enrich participants who are eager to "learn the ropes" with occupational skills training and supplemental education.
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 "My top priority is expanding opportunity for everyone in Rhode Island," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "My jobs plan makes record investments in education and workforce development to give Rhode Islanders of all ages the tools to succeed in the 21st century economy. To hear how young people and employers throughout our state are benefiting from the investments we're making is humbling and gratifying. I applaud the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island's leadership and vision running this important program." |
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"Summer employment exposure not only builds marketable skill sets for youth, but it is shown to improve the ability of participants to get and retain jobs over their lifetime," said WPGRI Executive Director Nancy Olson.
Last summer, the WPGRI contracted with 13 community-based organizations (CBOs) to identify qualifying youth and employers. |
Employment experiences and work readiness training were provided in areas as diverse as hospitality, information technology, marine trades, green construction, and aquaculture. Governor Raimondo understands the value in investing in Rhode Island's youth. In addition to her Last Dollar Scholarships, Prepare RI, and P-Tech initiatives, the Governor authorized the investment of $1.5 million of the state's Job Development Fund to support SYEP activities, in both the last program year and again this summer. WPGRI has operated SYEPs since 2007.
It's not uncommon for employers to be so pleased with the quality of SYEP participants that subsequent offers of long-term employment are made. Stump Evans, Director of the Community Care Alliance spoke of one participant, "He loves it...and they love him and are looking at their budget to see if they can absorb him (once the grant ends)." WPGRI Program Manager Carlos Ribeiro tells another story, "My perfect example is somebody that is still at Citizens Bank now. (She) was a participant that actually dropped out of school and we provided (her) with GED (support) and summer employment and (an) emloyment entry program and an internship at Citizens Banks and she's still holding the job, 20 plus years after."
Not every SYEP intern becomes an employee, but the program fosters a proven pathway for life-long success. Statewide Youth Center Manager Adrianna Dextradeur explains, "It's a really great program for (the youth), to learn about everything that's out there, what their interests are, and what they're best suited for." |
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The Brookings Institution echoed, "In addition to providing work experience and an immediate income transfer to low-income youth, an emerging body of research also suggests that summer youth employment programs can improve educational outcomes and social and emotional development" for participants.
Once participants have been assessed by the CBOs, they begin a six-week program of minimum-wage-subsidized employment and academic training in areas like "soft skills," financial literacy, and workplace safety protocols. Seventy-five percent of the 20-hour-per-week program is spent on the job and 25 percent is spent in the classroom. Because participant evaluation is ongoing, performance or social shortcomings discovered on the job can be immediately addressed by tutors. Certification is provided upon program completion. Kevin M. Cunha, Chief Operating Officer of the Center for Dynamic Learning, noted, "By the end of the summer, they should really be ready for a solid job."
Although funding has remained stable at $1.5 million per program year, RI's minimum wage has increased, from $9.00 to $9.60. In 2016-2017, the WPGRI SYEP is expected to serve 754 youth, down from 800 in 2015-2016. Employers interested in participating should contact WPGRI Youth Program Manager Carlos Ribeiro at (401) 462-8728 or Carlos.Ribeiro@dlt.ri.gov.
Click here to watch an upbeat, four-minute video about the 2015 Summer Youth Employment Program. |
