Application Period Opens for 2018 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amie Downs, Allegheny County, amie.downs@alleghenycounty.us
Contact: Keyva Clark, City of Pittsburgh, keyva.clark@pittsburghpa.gov
Contact: Nathan Petrillo, Partner4Work, npetrillo@partner4work.org

Application Period Opens for 2018 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program
County, City and Partner4Work Call on Employers to Host or Sponsor Corporate Interns

PITTSBURGH—Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and Partner4Work today announced the opening of the application period for the Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program and called on area employers to inspire the next generation of talent by participating in Learn & Earn’s Corporate Internship component.

Learn & Earn annually connects nearly 2,000 underserved Allegheny County and Pittsburgh residents ages 14 through 21 with 6-week summer jobs in high-demand sectors including health care, education and STEM. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to the summer employment program. Learn & Earn opportunities can range from career exploration activities, service-learning or work-study to entrepreneurship and corporate internships.

“The Learn & Earn Program has provided thousands of youth in our community an opportunity to see what future jobs may exist in our region. After their experience, they can take that knowledge and skills they have learned to set themselves on a path to connecting with those jobs,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Our region is experiencing growth and, with that, comes a chance to plan and find ways to connect our workforce with the jobs that exist today and tomorrow. ‘Future. Forged. For All.’ is not just a slogan, but is what we want our region to be like for generations to come. The Learn & Earn Program helps us get there.”

Last year, 25 Learn & Earn providers connected young people with jobs at 350 businesses, where they collectively earned $1.5 million in wages, while exploring career options, gaining work experience, and developing soft skills in areas such as communications and teamwork.

“Through our partnership with Allegheny County and Partner4Work, we are breaking down barriers that prevent young adults from acquiring the work experience and skills needed to become career-ready for in-demand occupations,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Now in its fourth year, Learn & Earn has become a model for summer youth employment programs, bringing together businesses, non-profits and local government to deliver meaningful work experiences that inspire and engage young adults.” 

The program’s success relies on business leaders supporting Learn & Earn by participating in the Corporate Internship program. The program offers 50 underserved young adults, ages 18-21, the ability to expand their career-readiness skills through paid professional internships in high growth industries and occupations. This highly selective subprogram chooses candidates based on past work experience, leadership abilities and career goals. Employers can host an intern or sponsor internships with leading local non-profits. Learn & Earn will screen all candidates, arrange interviews, provide ongoing training and support, and process the paperwork and payroll.

“We invite the business community to partner with Learn & Earn’s Corporate Internship program to develop the next generation of skilled talent our regional economy needs to thrive,” said Debra L. Caplan, Partner4Work Interim CEO.  “Alongside our partners, Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, we are excited to build on the successes of Learn & Earn programming to prepare young adults for career paths in expanding occupations.”

• Beginning today, Learn & Earn will accept applications for summer 2018 job opportunities. The work period begins June 25 and runs through August 3, 2018. The application period ends at 11 p.m., Friday, May 4. Interested youth may complete the application online at www.jobs4summer.org or visit in-person application sites for extra support in completing the application. A map of the support sites is available at www.jobs4summer.org.
• Employers interested in participating in the Corporate Internship program should contact Shuly Goldman, Learn & Earn manager, at 412-552-7090 or sgoldman@partner4work.org.