Y.O.U.'s Record Setting Year for Summer Employment

Shaker MyCom

It’s officially summer and for approximately 3,900 teens and young adults that means it's time to work!

This year, a record 14,746 teens and young adults applied to be part of Y.O.U.’s Summer Employment Program.

Shaker MyCom

These 3,900 participants will complete 150 hours of work with over 75 organizations in Northeast Ohio.  Companies include TJ Maxx, Burger King, Goodwill of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Walgreens, Euclid City Schools, Horizon Education Centers, Pizza Hut, Cleveland Public Library and many more.

The importance of youth employment is clear: research shows that teens who work are 86% more likely to be employed the next year; older youth have an almost 100% chance of being employed if they worked more than 40 weeks the previous year; and school attendance and academic outcomes are greatly improved.

MyCom Shaker Heights

Nationally, the number of teenagers and young adults with summer employment in the private sector has been steadily dropping over the decades and currently is at its lowest rate ever.  Only as far back as the late 1980’s, 70% of teenagers and young adults (16- to 19 -year-olds) were privately employed during the summer months. Today, the rate sits at roughly 40%.The private sector by itself cannot create all the work opportunities needed for teensand young adults.

Creating workforce opportunities for teens and young adults means participants are entering and contributing to the local workforce, building financial responsibility, stability, and capability, and becoming more independent.

This year, 3,900 teenagers and young adults are in the workforce and contributing to the local economy. Y.O.U. is looking forward to a fun and productive summer.