Program to help youth get Rhode Island summer jobs

Posted on July 4, 2017

A program is aiding youth to obtain Rhode Island summer jobs.

The Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB) has awarded $1.8 million, an increase of $300,000 over last year, to two local workforce investment boards (WIBs) for summer jobs, internships, and work readiness programs for more than 1,200 youth across Rhode Island.

More than 380 employers, pairing with nearly 20 community groups and training providers, are participating in this year’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

It is one of GWB’s major annual initiatives to create career pathways to provide employment, education, training, and support services for youth and young adults that will advance their education and skills to prepare them for a job at various points in their life.

The GWB’s 17 percent funding increase over 2016’s $1.5 million level means that 100 more Rhode Islanders between the ages of 14 to 24 will participate this year than last. The Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island, a WIB serving every RI city and town except Providence and Cranston, received a grant of $1.15 million and will serve 840 youth. A grant of nearly $650,000 will allow RI’s second WIB, Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston, to provide immersive experiences to 366 young people.

“The Summer Youth Employment Program provides real-life, hands-on training aligned with the needs of Rhode Island employers,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “These are exactly the kinds of life-changing opportunities that young Rhode Islanders of varying educational levels need to compete and have a chance for a brighter future.”

Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island Grantees

• Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP)
• Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)
• Center for Dynamic Learning
• Community Care Alliance
• East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)
• Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center (The Met)
• RI Hospital/Lifespan
• RI Nursing Institute Middle College
• RiverzEdge
• SER – Jobs for Progress, Inc.
• Tri-County Community Action