News

The University of Michigan is seeking temporary positions in units across campus for its summer employment program that pairs youth with faculty and staff to help them gain work experience, mentorship and life skills training.

Now in its second year, U-M’s Summer Youth Employment Program is an extension of Washtenaw County’s Summer18, a program that offers county youth from various backgrounds and ages 16-24 part-time, temporary paid summer employment.

Michigan Works! Southeast and the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development launched the program in summer 2016.

Last summer, Poverty Solutions, the Ginsberg Center, Youth Policy Lab and U-M Human Resources partnered to offer job placements at U-M and double the number of opportunities to young people from across the county. This year, the Washtenaw Alliance for County Youth and My Brother’s Keeper joined the partnership.

“We know that early employment contributes to youth success and can really make a lifelong difference. This program is a fantastic way to reach young people, particularly those who may not have had access to networks that would link them to jobs at a young age,” says Poverty Solutions managing director Julia Weinert.

“We also see this program as an important tool that helps the university to fulfill its social compact with the local community and society at large.”

Last year, 41 youth participants were placed in jobs across the university and 39 youths were placed with other employers across the county. This year, organizers aim to again double the number of opportunities for young people.

Surveys showed that the vast majority of youth felt that the program met or exceeded their expectations last year, and many said networking and making meaningful connections at U-M were the most valuable parts of their experience.

“This summer I learned so much about myself, as well as about my future career,” said Summer17 participant Emanuel Terrell, who worked at Michigan Media.

University units provide paid employment and mentorship for youth in a part-time capacity for 10 weeks over the summer, and program staff provide additional wrap-around support — such as mentorship, training and administrative support — to ensure successful experiences.

Departments interested in hiring are invited to attend information sessions to hear from U-M units that employed a young person last summer, learn more about logistical details and what to expect. The sessions will be at:

• 9:30 a.m. Jan. 23, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Conference Room 3420.

• 9:30 a.m. Jan, 25, Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Conference Room 2227.

• 9:30 a.m. Jan 26, Wolverine Tower, Conference Room G250

Interested employers should RSVP at syesupport@umich.edu.