– In 2013, WorkReady Philadelphia provided over 7,600 summer job opportunities to young people ages 14-21. It was a great success but there is still work to be done.
Predictions for summer 2014 forecast that approximately 4,500 WorkReady summer jobs will be available for youth. This is a 40% decrease. This will be the lowest number of summer jobs for young people since 2003.
As many jobs as possible need to be generated to ensure that future generations are prepared for education and career.
Why Summer Jobs?
As the needs of our future workforce continue to change, it is more important than ever that we are providing ways for young people to acquire 21st century skills and gain exposure to successful careers that will benefit our city’s economy
Companies and organizations in this city, both large and small, can invest in the future workforce through WorkReady Philadelphia. WorkReady jobs will provide workforce exposure, instill leadership skills and create connections for long term economic opportunities, thus preparing youth for success in the local, regional and global economy.
Summer jobs have the potential to keep youth safe. In our city, where youth violence is increasingly prevalent, this is more important now than ever. This is an avenue to provide meaningful, productive activities for our youth this summer.
Studies show that there is a direct correlation between employment during the junior or senior year of high school and increased annual earnings through age 26, especially for those not attending college.
While the national unemployment rate has decreased a few percentage points, from 8.5% last January to 6.7% as of the January 10, 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the unemployment rate for youth between the ages of 16 to still remains alarmingly high at 20.2%, which is more than three times the national average.
Philadelphia’s unemployment rate is the highest when compared to all other local areas in Pennsylvania. Currently, Philadelphia’s unemployment level is 9.8%. This makes providing early work experiences for young people – especially low-income, minority youth –even more urgent. [Source: Pennsylvania Department of Labor Fast Facts]
Youth employment is at its lowest level since World War II. At this rate, a generation will grow up with little early work experience, missing the chance to build knowledge and acquire the job-readiness skills that come from holding part-time starter jobs. [Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Policy Report 2012]
Overall, 6.5 million people ages 16-24 are both out of school and out of work.
Reconnecting youth to education and employment requires a multifaceted approach. No one system or sector can do it alone.
Ways to help:
Hire a WorkReady youth to work for six weeks in July and August
Sponsor youth work experiences at other businesses or organizations.
If your work environment isn’t conducive to bringing a young person aboard, consider subsidizing the cost of a work experience elsewhere.
Spread the word throughout your networks
Get Recognized as a WorkReady Seal of Approval employer
Your existing program can be recognized as part of WorkReady by meeting the requirements found at: www.phillysummerjobs.org/seal
Reasons to join the Challenge:
Builds a Stronger Community
Values diversity Offer a “First Break”
Invest in our city’s future Stimulate the economy
Last summer, youth earned more than $6 million – money that was infused into the local economy.
Improve Outcomes for Youth
Economic opportunity Professional connections
Career awareness Academic achievement
Studies show that youth who miss out on an early work experience are more likely to endure later unemployment and are less likely to achieve higher levels of career attainment. Everyone needs opportunities in their teen years and young adulthood to experience work and attain the job-readiness skills needed for long-term success.
What’s the Investment?
The cost of supporting WorkReady summer work experiences is based on a blend of youth wages, programmatic and operating costs.
$1,700 = one summer job
Breakdown of the costs:
Recruiting youth from across the city and ensuring youth complete necessary employment paperwork.
Pre-screening and matching youth to available positions.
Paying youth wages and processing payroll.
Incorporating a Contextual Learning Component, connecting youth’s hands-on work experience with a work-based learning project or portfolio.
Identifying dedicated staff members that are assigned to support youth and worksites throughout the program.
Assistance in designing the entire WorkReady experience and/or development of specific projects.
Opportunities that will allow for investor exposure and networking
2014 Summer Jobs Challenge Partners:
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO
Urban Affairs Coalition
City of Philadelphia
Blue Cross
United Way
School District of Philadelphia
For Additional Info, go to: www.phillysummerjobs.org
