Dear Friends:
If we are to continue to retain, grow and attract businesses to Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin, we must ensure we have a skilled and talented workforce.
One way I am doing that is through our Youth Summer Jobs Program, an initiative of which I am very proud. This program offers opportunities for young people to develop good work habits and strong job skills, make a little money and avoid trouble on the streets.
Last year we created paid internships at City Hall for more than 200 high school juniors and seniors, and we established 435 jobs for young people in partnership with 84 non-profit and faith-based organizations. We also worked with businesses in the private sector to offer hundreds of positions with Milwaukee companies.
In total we placed 1,000 teens in summer jobs last year, and I want to expand the program to include 1,500 young people this summer. And that is where you come in: I am urging businesses across Milwaukee to hire young people for jobs they have available this summer. From clerical work to ground maintenance and everything in between, these teens are ready to work for you this summer.
Why should your company participate?
- Improving our future workforce. The program gives young people an opportunity to learn and experience the rigors and rewards of hard work, and provides them with skills they will need in the workforce. At the same time, this effort builds the self-confidence of our young people while increasing workforce productivity.
- We make it easy. Once you have created positions, the City, working with Elmer Winter’s Youthpower organization, will conduct interviews, select suitable placements, and provide soft skills training for the youth that have been placed in jobs. As an employer, you are invited to participate in the interview process to help select your employees, but it is not necessary.
- Dynamic and eager young people. The city is currently working to recruit hundreds of young people to apply for the program. These youth are eager to work and willing to learn. Your employment opportunities will allow us to provide meaningful work experience for these young people that will enhance their future, prepare a workforce for the next generation, and strengthen your company.
- Why is this program so important? It is all of our responsibility to develop our youth, provide them with opportunities and a bright future, and develop a workforce that will help our companies and local economy remain strong. The Youth Summer Jobs Program gives young people something positive to do that will keep them off the streets and out of trouble, and puts a few dollars in their pockets at the same time.
- How do you participate? Have your human resources department contact Scott Gunderson at (414) 286-5662 or via email at sgunde@milwaukee.gov. You may also go to the Internet and fill out the private sector employment sign-up form at www.mkedcd.org/syip.
A representative of my staff will follow up with your company’s representative after your job descriptions have been registered.
If you are unable to provide job opportunities at your company, you can help us give youth an opportunity to work at non-profit organizations with a financial contribution. Last year more than 80 non-profits worked with the city to provide job opportunities for youth. Your assistance will allow us to continue and grow our efforts working with non-profit organizations in the city. Please contact Scott at the number or e-mail mentioned above to discuss how you can participate in this worthwhile program.
Please join me in giving Milwaukee’s youth a great opportunity to grow and succeed. Become a partner in the Youth Summer Jobs Program today!
Sincerely,
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
