By ANN RICHARDS
Tim Herman's first job was cutting lawns through a federally-funded summer work program for teenagers in Flint, Michigan. Now CEO of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce(GRCC), he's pleased to be able to offer a similar opportunity to 450 Flint-area young people through the Summer Youth Initiative, which is kicking off its 13th year of providing seasonal employment and educational and recreational activities for Flint-area young people ages 14-18.
"You take a first job to earn money, but what you don't realize is that you're getting a first opportunity to learn skills that you'll use again and again in your life," he said. "That's what is so valuable about the Summer Youth Initiative -- kids aren't just mowing lawns or painting fences -- they're getting the chance to learn how to use a computer, show up on time, dress appropriately, talk to people -- real world stuff."
Administered through the Genesee Area Focus Fund, a nonprofit arm of the GRCC, the Summer Youth Initiative has received more than $7 million in Mott support since 1996. This year, in addition to offering supervised work experience through area nonprofit organizations, the summer jobs program will include more opportunities for participants to gain work experience in the private sector, Herman said.
"The chamber has board members who hope to employ some of these students -- they're genuinely enthusiastic about the education and training aspects of this program," Herman said. "Several board members have provided match dollars for a youth employment fund we've set up through the Focus Fund."
Taking on a youth employment program fits with the mission and goals of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, says Herman.
"We have component programs that other chambers don't. We're fundamentally different from most other chambers in our focus on economic development and employment training. The Summer Youth Initiative feeds into this work."
Besides, adds Herman, without the Summer Youth Initiative, there would be far less opportunity for area students to spend time productively.
"Kids need something to do over the summer -- especially 14- to 18-year-olds. Without this program, you'd have 400-plus kids sitting on the couch, watching TV and thinking about things other than work."
For information on how to apply for employment through the GRCC's Summer Youth Initiative, contact the chamber at 810.600.1404.
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