Summer employment programs have become critical pipelines to engage youth and put them on a path for career longevity or further education.
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.
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.
Youth are matched with employers based on employer specifications, geographic proximity, and availability of reliable transportation for youth.
Tier 1:
Tier 2:
Interested youth and employers will be invited to informational sessions to learn about available jobs, locations, placement potential, and required paperwork.
GECAC 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.
Tier 1
Tier 2
Youth Application
Please print this PDF form, sign it, and send it to:
Email: jgates@gecac.org
Mail:
GECAC
Attn: Earn+Learn
18 West 9th Street
Erie, PA 16501
To learn more about the program and to receive the application please contact:
Tier 1
Jamilia Gates
Earn+Learn Director
Greater Erie Community Action Committee
jgates@gecac.org
(814) 459-4581 ext.407
Tier 2
Mary Bula
Erie Together
mary@erietogether.org
(814) 240-8432