If you own a business and are looking to step up for Detroit youth, here’s an opportunity.

Today at a press conference at the NAACP Detroit office, Mayor Mike Duggan and Chris Lu from the the United States Department of Labor spoke to businesses about the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) program.

Mayor Mike Duggan is looking for additional businesses to get involved with Detroit young adults with the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program.

Here are some details. Last year the program was able to get 5,600 of Detroit’s young people ages 14 to 24 summer jobs. This year the goal is to get 8,000 young adults hired.

So far 11,000 youth have applied for the program, so the city really needs for local business to step up to the plate and pledge to hire these young people.

Currently, they have 170 businesses but were hoping to get 225 to participate.

A majority of the youth hired will come from Detroit schools. The candidates are selected based on their work readiness, training, and performance on the work readiness assessments. The pool of applicants from the site will fill the remaining spaces. After screening and surveying their interests and aptitudes they will be matched with an employer.

The young adults will work roughly 20 hours a week, and depending on their age they will make between $8.00 and $9.50 per hour.

There are three options for businesses that are interested in getting involved with this important program.

  1. Businesses can do a 50/50 split with the City of Detroit with a match of $850. The GDYT will manage the recruitment, payroll, and training.
  2. If a business wants to become a sponsor they can provide the $1,700 for the summer program. If the business pledges the $1,700 to the GDYT, they will also manage the recruitment, payroll, and training.
  3. Or, a business can just hire a Detroit youth for the summer. The GDYT will offer to screen possible employees, and will also provide employment support free of charge.

This program is important because it gets young adults prepared compete in the job market, and it helps build leadership.

Not to mention it keeps these kids out of trouble.

“Summer jobs matter to young people, it teaches them the fundamentals for life,” said Duggan.

If you own a business or know anyone who is looking to hire people for the summer season why not check out this program and help these young adults.

You can find more information on the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent website.

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