Summer jobs are not always easy to find, but on Saturday, May 12 more than 1,000 TeenQuest graduates will have an opportunity to gain summer employment at the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce Summer Youth Initiative (SYI) Job Fair. The event takes place at Baker College of Flint.
Graduates of TeenQuest, a free afterschool pre-employment and leadership program of the Regional Chamber are eligible to participate in the SYI Job Fair. SYI helps participating teens prepare for and connect to job opportunities.
“It’s a win-win for the community and for businesses in the region to provide access to a well-qualified talent pool ready for summer employment through TeenQuest and SYI,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Regional Chamber.
For-profit employers are eligible for a 50 percent match of the students’ salary for the first 90 days of employment. Nonprofits compete for funding to pay 100 percent of employing the students.
“The number of TeenQuest graduates working in the community continues to increase,” said Rhetta Hunyady, Group Vice President of Operations and Employer Education and Training Connection for the Regional Chamber. “By participating in TeenQuest and SYI, our students get invaluable preparation that sets them on a path to become tomorrow’s leaders. The employers who participate in the job fair appreciate the ability to choose from among highly prepared students for their summer positions.”
Last year, over 400 teens were employed through SYI at 24 nonprofits and businesses in Flint and Genesee County.
TeenQuest is a free after-school pre-employment and leadership program for teens ages 14 -18 designed to teach students the basics of teamwork, business etiquette, work ethics, communication, goal setting and conflict resolution. The five-week program is offered year-round and is a pre-requisite for SYI participation.
For more information about TeenQuest or SYI contact Paula Stainbrook at (810) 600-1413 or .