At the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North Luncheon, on May 30, 2019, the speaker was Shamar Herron, who talked about the Michigan Works! Summer19 Youth Employment Program.
Shamar explained, 4 years ago, the program was started when in Detroit and in West Willow in Ypsilanti there was 2 murders. A Sheriff asked him to get the kid's jobs. Since everyone knows he is the jobs person. This was the start of the Youth Summer Employment Program.
Shamar said, "the Youth Employment Program Builds Life-Long Networks & Careers." The ten-week summer employment and mentorship program, pairs local businesses with Washtenaw County youth (ages 16-24) to provide on-the-job training that sets the stage for life-long careers, opens doors to new industries, and provides mentorship critical to building professional networks.
Last year, almost 100 youth completed the program. This equated to more than 20,000 work experience hours and more than $220,000 invested in our youths’ future success.
"This year will be our fourth year running the program, and we’re looking to place 150 youth in jobs throughout the county,” said Shamar Herron, “Every year we’ve been able to grow the program, and we’re proud to see the ongoing development of our young people each year.”
Shamar, thanked the Club for our donation to the program this year. He said,"their are kid's that come in with no socks, not alone having some professional clothing for a job. The money went to giving them the tools to get a job. From buying them clothe and showing them how to shake a managers hand and looking them in the eyes at a job interview.
Past President Peg Windsor with Shamar Herron, Deputy Director Michigan Work!