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.
GECAC's Erie Summer Jobs and More (JAM) program provides job readiness training, career exploration, and employment opportunities for youth living in Erie County.
The program is a collaborative effort between Erie County Government, Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority, The Erie Community Foundation, and other supportive individuals and organizations that have recognized the need to address employability issues for our disconnected youth population aged 16-21 years.
Youth are matched with employers based on the employer specifications, geographic proximity, and availability of reliable transportation for youth.
We are paying $8.25 an hour.
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.