Source: Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
Mayor Lee Harris recently announced that the third annual Mayor’s Summer Work Experience Program is accepting applications until Friday, April 9, 2021. The Summer Work Experience Program is an eight-week summer work experience for youth aged 18-24.
The program, which teaches communication, organization, and customer service skills, is also paid for the duration of the eight weeks. Participants will earn $12 an hour and gain the opportunity to interact with key connections in the city.
“The Mayor’s Summer Work Experience provides Shelby County young adults with an opportunity to learn new skills, gain financial independence, and grow their professional network,” says Mayor Harris. “Much like last year, 2021 participants will support essential county services, including social safety net programs and our COVID response efforts. This year’s accommodations have been made as a result of the COVID-19 mantra — “Rising Above Challenges” — and we know that the Summer Work Experience cohort will rise above challenges and take action that positively impacts our community.”
To ensure the safety of participants, social distancing regulations have been implemented as well as CDC health procedures. All participants must be available to work from June 7th to July 30th, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Director of Education Dr. Cedrick Gray says that the program is about creating a better sense of community and home for youth in Shelby County.
“The Mayor Lee Harris Summer Work Experience Program is about showing young people that Shelby County is a home where they have a prosperous future. This program is grounded in the truth that our young people are our county’s most precious asset. Through these efforts, the Office of Education has now become more than a convener or liaison for education policy; we’re an office focused on opportunities for youth to thrive in their respective communities.”
Registration for the program is open now, and those invited will be informed on April 30th.