In the midst of an ongoing economic crisis, Detroit’s mayor Mike Duggan is still aiming to empower the city’s youth with the Grow Detroit Young Talent (GDYT) initiative.
Matching the city officials’ efforts, the Obama Administration announced GDYT will receive a $2 million federal grant to assist the city in providing over 8,000 summer jobs to residents between the ages of 14 and 24. More importantly, the participants will be educated on financial literacy and equipped with career training.
The Grow Detroit Young Talent Initiative goal is to prepare young talent to compete in the 21st century economy, introduce Detroit’s employers to the next generation of the city’s workforce, and to build the leaders of tomorrow, today.
Mayor Duggan stated, “This is about giving young people an opportunity to develop the skills that will put them on the path to bright futures and careers.”
President Obama added, “Access to a job in the summer and beyond can make all the difference to a young person – especially those who don’t have access to many resources and opportunities.
The summer work program will begin in July and continue for six weeks throughout the duration of August. Participants between the age of 14 and 18 are paid $8 an hour, and those between the ages of 18 and 24 are paid $9.50 an hour. The U.S. Labor Department grant that was rewarded to GDYT is apart of $21 million dollars that will be provided to 11 chosen communities nationwide.
For more information on this summer work opportunity in Detroit, click here.
