Over 1,000 jobs to be offered summer 2017, an increase of close to 40% from 2016
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined elected officials, Recreation Director Michael Stephens, Economic Opportunity Director Brian Hull, AS220 Artistic Director Shey Rivera, and community partners to announce expanded summer employment opportunities for Providence youth. In summer 2017, the City will offer more than 1,000 summer jobs, an increase of close to 40% from 2016.
“There are no better investments than those that we make in our youth,” said Mayor Elorza. “I’m proud of this increased investment and look forward to having more young people stay engaged and on the path to success.”
According to a Brookings Institution study, research shows that summer employment programs can lead many positive effects, including reduced violence, lower incarceration rates, and improved academic outcomes for young people. In alignment with this research and Mayor Elorza’s vision for a city with economic and educational opportunity for all, the City will offer more opportunities through increased funding, better alignment of existing programs, and the engagement of more program partners.
Department of Parks and Recreation
With a $350,000 investment, the Providence Department of Parks and Recreation will hire approximately 370 Providence youth this summer to operate lunch program sites, camps and water parks across the city. This program provides an additional 80 jobs compared to 2016 and includes a robust training orientation program to gain essential work skills. All summer employment candidates must be at least 14 years old as of June 15, 2017 and must apply online before the May 3, 2017 deadline.
Office of Economic Opportunity
With a particular focus on workforce development, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Workforce Solutions of Providence and Cranston will offer approximately 360 jobs through 9 selected providers. For this program, 40 additional jobs will be offered this summer through a total investment of $500,000 in partnership with the Governor’s Workforce Board of Rhode Island. Those interested must apply in person at the Providence Skills Center located at the Providence Place Mall, 31 Providence Place.
Providers include: Academy for Career Exploration (ACE), AS220, Boys and Girls Club of Providence, Community Action Partnership of Providence (CAPP), Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), Downcity Design, Lifespan, the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, and Young Voices.
One Providence for Youth
Mayor Elorza also announced a request for proposal for One Providence for Youth, a program possible through an allocation of $1 million that aims to increase youth participation in community-oriented summer work and training opportunities. Depending on the scope of proposals received through the process, approximately 400 completely new summer jobs will be offered in 2017. Local community-based organizations and youth providers are invited to apply for funds to expand summer opportunities for youth.
Additional information for all summer jobs programs can be found at www.pvdsummerjobs.com. Residents can also contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at City Hall by dialing 3-1-1 or downloading the PVD311 mobile application now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.