SummerWorks Jobs For 2,500 Kids

For the fifth consecutive year, Mayor Greg Fischer’s SummerWorks program has grown and this summer is placing 2,500 youth, ages 16-21, in jobs at companies and organizations throughout the community. This year’s numbers include 200 jobs for low-income youth funded by $500,000 provided by the state Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.

“It’s exciting to celebrate a fifth year of increasing summer jobs and this year making jobs available to more low-income youth thanks to the TANF funding from the state and other generous private donors,” Fischer said. “For many of these youth, this is a first work opportunity, which can be a life-changing experience. When we hear the stories of these young workers and talk to their employers about the value they receive, we know this initiative is making a real difference in their futures and the future of our community.”

“Kentucky is proud to partner with the Mayor’s SummerWorks initiative by providing funding through the TANF program,” Lt. Governor Crit Luallen said. “We expect this investment in our young people to pay dividends for years to come as the youth gain critical work skills, experience, and confidence in these summer jobs.”

The state TANF funding is part of a total of more than $775,000 raised to provide youth with jobs this summer. Donations include $100,000 from JPMorgan Chase, $100,000 from the James Graham Brown Foundation and $50,000 from the Gheens Foundation. Donations also came from YUM! Brands, Norton Healthcare and the Arthur M. Walters Bridge Builders project. The Mayor and Metro Council provided an additional $200,000 for the program in the current city budget.

“Summer jobs are a common-sense way to provide experience, skill-building and learning opportunities for young people,” said Paul Costel, market president for Chase in Kentucky. “At a time when youth job prospects are near an all-time low, Chase is excited to support SummerWorks because we know these young workers are getting a quality work experience that will prepare them to compete in the workforce.”

This year’s donations created summer jobs at nonprofit organizations and public agencies such as Americana Community Center, AMPED, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana, Exploited Children’s Help Organization, Louisville Nature Center, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Louisville Free Public Library, Louisville Urban League, Mayor’s Office, Metro Parks and Recreation, the Muhammad Ali Center and YouthBuild Louisville.

Private businesses that have hired youth this summer include Baptist Healthcare, Commonwealth Sign, Crowne Plaza, 4th Street Live!, General Electric, Kentucky Kingdom, Kroger, Malone Staffing, Mark’s Feed Store, Norton Healthcare, Republic Bank, Thorntons, Walgreens, Walmart and YMCA of Greater Louisville.

Fischer created the SummerWorks initiative in 2011 in response to the elimination of federal funding to connect youth with summer jobs. In its first year, SummerWorks landed jobs for 200 youth and has grown each year since.

Many young people employed through the SummerWorks program are on the job for about 30 hours a week for seven weeks. Some youth obtained jobs through the Mayor’s Youth Opportunity Showcase and began working before the end of the school year. Others began working after school ended and will finish work assignments before school starts.

The Louisville Education and Employment Partnership at Jefferson County Public Schools is a key partner in preparing students for summer jobs and careers through workforce-readiness training. JCPS and the Board of Education have hired SummerWorks youth this summer in both subsidized and unsubsidized positions.

The Mayor’s SummerWorks program is led by KentuckianaWorks, Greater Louisville’s Workforce Development Board and an agency of Louisville Metro Government, in partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education through the Kentucky Youth Career Center.