Businesses, Non-Profits and Government
President Obama is calling on businesses, non-profits, and government to provide pathways to employment for low-income and disconnected youth in the summer of 2012. In 2009 and 2010, communities across the country used Recovery Act funds to directly support summer work opportunities for over 367,000 young people. This past summer, the Department of Labor set a goal of obtaining 100,000 summer job commitments from the private sector — and nearly reached that goal despite a lack of funding. Building on the success of the Recovery Act, the President also proposed $1.5 billion for high-impact summer jobs and year-round employment for low-income youth ages 16-24 in the American Jobs Act, but congress has refused to fund these employment opportunities.
Make a Commitment
If you're interested in joining this initiative, you can make a commitment to provide America's young people with opportunities in the following ways:
- Life Skills: Provide youth work-related soft skills, such as communication, time management and teamwork, through coursework and/or experience. This includes resume writing or interview workshops and mentorship programs.
- Work Skills: Provide youth insight into the world of work to prepare for employment. This includes job shadow days and internships.
- Learn and Earn: Provide youth on-the-job skills in a learning environment while earning wages for their work.
Make a commitment and join the initiative!
See Who's Involved
On January 5, President Obama announced that companies have already committed 180,000 summer opportunities for youth in 2012.
View the businesses and community organizations that are already involved
Learn
Interested in providing opportunities for youth, but not sure where to start?
Share Your Story
Do you remember your first summer job? How did it impact your current career? As there been young person at your company who left a lasting impact through a summer job?
