Earn+Learn

The Issue

Summer employment programs have become critical pipelines to engage youth and put them on a path for career longevity or further education.

Our Impact

Every summer, 150 youth work at more than 50 businesses and non-profit organizations to learn critical employment skills. A first job often means so much more than a paycheck. It can mean a connection to a lifelong mentor, the ability to envision a career path, a boost in self-confidence, an appreciation for the value of education, an off-ramp from a life on the streets, a belief that you can be something.

Overview

The Summer Jobs and More or JAM program, which has provided summer work opportunities for Erie County youth since 2013, has been retooled as a new yearlong workforce development program called Erie County Earn and Learn youth workforce program. GECAC's Earn+Learn program provides job readiness training, career exploration, and employment opportunities for youth living in Erie County. The program aims to expose youth and young adults to local industries and businesses that can absorb them as full-time employees.

Earn+Learn is a collaborative effort between Erie County Government, Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority, GECAC, Erie Together, and other supportive individuals and organizations that have recognized the need to address employability issues for our disconnected youth population aged 14-21 years.

Timeline
May: Information sessions and applications available
June 16: Youth application deadline 
June 12: Work-ready training Erie
June 15: Work-ready training Corry
June - August: Youth will work 180 total hours

Job Placement/MatchingYouth are matched with employers based on employer specifications, geographic proximity, and availability of reliable transportation for youth.
PayTier 1:
Typically, ages 14-17 with little or no job experience. We are paying $8.25 an hour.
Will focus on job readiness training, soft skills, and work experience.
Tier 2:
Typically, ages 16-21 with previous job experience or career-oriented. We are paying $10 an hour.
Will focus on existing career opportunities in Erie County.
Informational Orientation SessionsInterested youth and employers will be invited to informational sessions to learn about available jobs, locations, placement potential, and required paperwork.
Staff SupportGECAC staff works directly with youth and employers to provide communication, linkage, and job placements, as well as to troubleshoot and problem solves any challenges that arise during the summer.

Benefit to Employers

GECAC screens and trains the youth participating in the program and matches their skills and interests to a local business.
You help local youth to learn valuable life skills and gain practical work experience.
You'll have an opportunity to see what local talent can offer and to introduce youth to potential career paths.
You'll be assigned a dedicated job site team advisor to ensure a successful experience for both you and the youth worker.

Employer Handbook

Tier 1