Phoenix Youth Summer Employment Program Seeks Host Businesses
Are you interested in growing the next generation of Arizona’s farmers and ranchers? Need a little extra help this summer?
If you answered YES and you’re in the Phoenix area, then we’ve got some good news for you--
The City of Phoenix, Phoenix Youth R.I.S.E. (Reach and Invest in Summer Employment) program is seeking businesses (including farms and food businesses!) to host young adults for paid internships this summer.
Through the R.I.S.E. program, young adults ages 16-24 can engage in a paid, 5-week internship running from June 11 to July 13. This program offers young adults an opportunity to learn real-world-of-work skills. This is also an opportunity for local business owners to gain assistance in completing tasks such as filing, weeding, repairs, or other duties usually reserved for the summer or downtime, at no cost to you.
For many young adults, this program serves as their very first "real" job and is an exciting learning experience for them that provides lasting life lessons and skills that can be reflected on a resume. Not to mention, if placed with a farming or food business, could expose them to a new career path in food, or even spark their interest in making healthy food choices.
Hear from Laveen-based ice cream shop, Scooptacular's, experience:
There are two great ways for Phoenix farms and food businesses to participate:
Option 1: Employer Pays Wages
Young adult submits an application and resume to City team
City team screens candidates based on employer requirements (e.g. age, experience, education)
City team coordinates interviews with employer
Qualified candidates attend 2-day work readiness
1 on 1 on-the-job coaching as needed
Option 2: City of Phoenix Pays Wages
Young adults may have little to no work experience
Young adults are randomly selected
Qualified candidates attend 2-day work readiness
Please review the program flyer (here) and Business Request form (here) to participate in this program and support local youth in getting their hands dirty. If you have questions, contact the program manager, Mary Alejandro at 602.534.3794 or mary.alejandro@phoenix.gov.
Happy digging!
