DETROIT — More than 800 Detroit Youth joined employers, training organizations and other partners at Ford Field today for the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent Career Connections Fair.
The fair, which is presented by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, offers attendees the chance to interview for six-week summer jobs with over 50 potential employers, with hundreds of job offers being made on the spot.
“Today’s event is about giving Detroit’s youth what may be their first work experience, or for many it may be an opportunity to build on the experience gained during a previous GDYT placement” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “For hundreds of youth, this will lead either to a permanent job or to a life-changing experience that prepares them and leads to a future career, so while they may not know it yet, for many of today’s attendees this event will change their lives.”
Today’s event is the second presented by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, which ran the same event last year at Cobo Hall when over 500 job offers were made on the day.
“This youth summer jobs fair is a critical part of our College and Career Pathways work, which is helping develop the next generation of talent in our community,” says Tammie Jones, vice president, College and Career Pathways, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “This event aligns with our longstanding commitment to student achievement and will leverage the Mayor’s GDYT program to offer young people real-world experiences with top-notch employers in our community.”
In addition to interviewing opportunities, students will experience professional development workshops, presentations from guest speakers and much more. Upon securing summer employment or an internship, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation will work with GDYT participants to manage pre- and post-job-related services to ensure a seamless transition for young people and their employers.
“This is one of our marquee events for the GDYT program, and an invaluable opportunity for Detroit youth to get experiences that will serve them well as they transition into the workforce” said Jason Lee, GDYT Executive Director at Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. “We couldn’t run this program without the support of hundreds of partners around the city, so today is an opportunity for us to thank them as well for their commitment to developing Detroit’s leaders of tomorrow.”
Youth participants will start their new summer jobs in early July, and placements will run through until the end of August, with each youth completing 120 hours of paid employment or training.
Employers who are interested in getting involved can still register at GDYT.org. “It’s not too late for Detroit business owners, entrepreneurs, churches and nonprofit organizations to be a part of this summer’s program. We are always looking for great opportunities for youth. Contact our offices or visit GDYT.org to be apart of the next career fair on June 2. Every Child Counts! Every Job Counts!” says Jason Lee.
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About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through volunteerism, advocacy, and its annual campaign. UWSEM is a leader in convening partners to achieve positive outcomes around education, economic prosperity and health. For more information visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org.
About Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is the fiscal and administrative agent of the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board (MWDB) appointed by the Mayor of Detroit. The MWDB is the governing body responsible for the successful execution and delivery of workforce and training programs for Detroit jobseekers and businesses. DESC has been the City of Detroit’s lead partner in managing the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program since 2016.