Wilmington will receive a $65,000 donation from the Bank of America for the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
The award was presented by April Birmingham, Delaware market manager, on behalf of Bank of America.
With Bank of America’s donation, the summer jobs program will be able to create 50 new jobs, where young people will gain work experience in the various professional industries present within the City of Wilmington including finance, legal, medical, education, hospitality management and government.
“Early employment opportunities help teens build the skills they need to establish a career and get on a path toward financial stability,” said Chip Rossi, Delaware market president, Bank of America. “When we provide kids with workforce skills, the ability to earn a paycheck and build professional connections, we support their long-term financial success, which contributes to a thriving Delaware economy.”
The City of Wilmington’s Summer Youth Employment program seeks to provide local youths with valuable work experience. Participants, youths aged 14 through 21 years old, have the opportunity to learn about job readiness, customer service, financial literacy, and conflict resolution.
This year, youths participating in the program will work as patient escorts at Christiana Care Health System, law clerks, assistants in government and private sector offices, park attendants, and culinary and front desk support staff for local hotels.
“The City’s Summer Youth Employment program is an invaluable opportunity for the young people in our community, as the program helps to develop their professional skills, enhance their résumé, and improve their abilities for their next employer,” said Mayor Dennis P. Williams.
Summer Youth Employment program participants must go through a registration process and then are randomly selected to participate in various youth employment sessions.