At the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North Lunch Meeting on June 25, 2020, the speaker was Shamar Herron, from Michigan Works!
Shamar talked about the program called Summer Works! Formerly known as Summer17, Summer18, and Summer19, SummerWorks is the Washtenaw County Summer Youth Employment Program, a 10-week summer employment and mentorship program that pairs local employers with young adults. It connects youth to resources for building professional networks, exploring career opportunities, and developing essential job and leadership skills.
Shamar said, because of COVID-19, "is reinventing themselves." This years program is going to be mostly virtual. The approved youth will work 10 weeks, 20 hours a week from June 15th through August 21st. Shamar said, "they have 10 individuals that are working virtually."
In the program the youth will also attend 10 professional development sessions to improve your "Soft Skills" such as resume writing, interviewing, and more.
Lastly, the program will develop a mentoring and supportive relationships with Summer Works staff and employers.
In this job program the youth gets a paid summer internship (10/hr for high school; 12/hr for college). They will get skills in key areas such as money management and workplace etiquette. The youth will receive networking with local professionals, and will be able to explore potential career paths.
Shamar told the club, "I am always happy and honored to talk to Ann Arbor North, whenever asked to speak, I will always be there."
