Syracuse University recognized as partner in federal program to increase summer employment opportunities for 180,000 youth nationwide

SU officials attend Jan. 5 White House announcement of Summer Jobs+ program

The White House has announced Summer Jobs+, a new call to action for businesses, nonprofits and government to work together to provide pathways to employment for low-income and disconnected youth in the summer of 2012. As part of the Summer Jobs+ announcement made at the White House on Jan. 5, Syracuse University, in collaboration with CNY Works, will continue to work as local partners in this federal and private sector initiative to provide 50 positions for 16-21 year-olds through the Summer Youth Initiative. Additionally, SU has committed to provide 200 jobs to college-aged students working in Say Yes to Education Summer Camps, which provide academic and youth leadership enrichment.

SU’s Kal Alston, senior vice president for human capital development, and Eric Persons, associate vice president of government and community relations, attended Thursday’s White House announcement by invitation.

Summer Jobs+ has committed to creating nearly 180,000 employment opportunities for low-income youth in the summer of 2012, with a goal of reaching 250,000 employment opportunities by the start of summer, at least 100,000 of which will be placements in paid jobs and internships.

“Syracuse University’s commitment to Summer Jobs+ will empower our community’s youth to make a difference,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “By providing opportunities to contribute to nationally prominent programs such as Say Yes to Education Syracuse, we’re helping our young people build skills and confidence, as well as our community’s vital social infrastructure.”

The jobs created through the SU-CNY Works partnership are for youth currently at risk, attending high school and out of school for the summer. The elements of the program are all focused on adding value to the work experience, specifically including, but not limited to: professional development, mentoring opportunities, job training through work experience, career/college exploration, nurturing a respectful workplace, resume writing and interviewing skills, financial management, time management, exposure to the SU community and an opportunity to build positive and lasting relationships between youth and supervisor.

Say Yes is a partnership between SU, the Say Yes Foundation Inc. and the Syracuse City Schools that provides across-the-board support services to city school students and their families, with the promise of a full tuition scholarship upon successful graduation and admittance to college. The students employed at Say Yes Camps include the Say Yes college students (attending a number of participating colleges in the Say Yes consortium) who are home for the summer, and they work with children on academic, leadership and enrichment opportunities, youth engagement activities and skills/talent development activities. Many of the employed students qualify for substantial financial need irrespective of whether they are Say Yes students. 

To read the full White House announcement, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/01/05/we-cant-wait-white-house-announces-federal-and-private-sector-commitment.