Helping Teens Find Jobs For Summer
One’s background does not necessarily determine their destiny. A willingness to work may determine what one’s future holds.
Several organizations are developing that have a goal to help underprivileged teens receive a head start in the job market.
Jobs For Youth-Chicago offers full-time or part-time permanent jobs that can lead to careers.
Since 1979, JFY has made more than 25,000 job placements for Chicago’s low-income 17-24 year olds who have their high school diploma or GED.
JFY works with more than 600 Chicago area employers. The organization provides Chicago’s teens and young adults with the skills to find a job.
“We employ young adults — specifically, those of a low-income background. We give them an opportunity for success,” said Kristin Gudenrath, director of public relations at JFY.
From July 2005 to June 2007, JFY made more than 2,900 job placements with an average wage of $8.68 per hour.
This summer, there is a predicted summer teen employment rate of 34.2 percent, which is below last year’s historically low employment numbers.
JFY plans to employ 400 young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 this summer.
Gudenrath believes that the employment rate for young adults is low due to a lack of remedial skills.
In addition, many low-income young adults are unfamiliar with the downtown area, which is where most jobs are.
“We’re located downtown, which works as an advantage because it helps to familiarize the teens with the area,” said Gudenrath.
To change the low employment statistics, Gudenrath feels, “We need to get the word out. Employers need to get involved.”
JFY offers a wide variety of programs, from computers to banking and retail.
“The teens that participate in our program can show employers that no matter where they come from, they can perform the same job. Sometimes, they can even perform better,” said Gudenrath.
JFY also looks for volunteers to help with resume writing.
In addition, the organization offers a free GED program for those who have not yet obtained one.
In addition to JFY, Southwest Youth Collaborative, 2601 W. 63rd St., has a similar goal to help teens.
Southwest Youth Collaborative provides a summer internship for those between the ages of 14 and 21.
This program began last year as Team Work Englewood. Since then, funds have been secured to expand to Southwest Youth Collaborative.
This is a six-week program that lasts from the last week of June until the beginning of August.
“It’s exciting to be a part of the program. It’s a good idea for youths,” said Tina James, program facilitator for Southwest Youth Collaborative.
Participants fill out an application and provide necessary documentation. They are then placed in a lottery.
About 300 youths participate. Of these, 75 are chosen.
Chosen participants are partnered with an employer who meets their skills and interests.
They work with the employer for four hours, and they participate in a three-hour workshop that teaches necessary job skills.
The participants receive three stipends from their employers over the course of the internship.
Organizations such as JFY and Southwest Youth Collaborative are proving that anyone can rise to become a success, and one’s income-level does not dictate their job capabilities.