PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) and partners, including the City of Philadelphia, today launched the 2022 WorkReady Summer application. Young people between the ages of 12 and 24 who live in Philadelphia can now apply to participate in a paid work experience from July through August.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 54.4 percent of young people aged 16-24 were employed in July 2021, showing an increase from 2020 but still falling short of pre-pandemic numbers. This year, PYN is launching the WorkReady Summer application earlier than usual to ensure more young people can be connected to employment in 2022. Additionally, PYN is increasing youth compensation to put more money directly into young people’s pockets, and the first 5,000 young people to apply and have their vital documents approved will receive a $150 incentive bonus.
The program is managed by PYN, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families, Philadelphia Works, and more than 75 program partners who will provide at least three days of high-quality and safe in-person programming for young people per week. To apply to WorkReady Summer, visit workready.org.
“We know that summer jobs are pivotal for Philadelphia youth, as they enable young people to engage in enriching skill-building and learning experiences that will position them for long-term success in school, work, and life. The City of Philadelphia is proud to support WorkReady Summer as we work together to provide safe, productive and transformational experiences for young people again this year,” said Waleska Maldonado, Chief of Prevention at the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families.
To assist young people with applying to the program, PYN will continue to use tools and resources introduced in 2021, including the WorkReady Summer Customer Service Center, available weekdays via phone (267-502-3900) and email (WorkReadyHelp@pyninc.org), as well as the Program Locator tool to help young people browse WorkReady programs based on age, zip code, work experience and/or areas of interest. In addition, PYN is also committed to providing young people with financial and digital literacy training and resources. All programming this summer will incorporate these themes.
“As we all continue to adapt to our current reality, we have improved the WorkReady Summer experience to connect more young people to summer jobs,” said Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, PYN’s President and CEO. “By providing supports and resources and increasing the amount of money young people earn, PYN hopes to help more young Philadelphians prepare for their future.”
About WorkReady Summer
WorkReady programs offer 12–24-year-olds in Philadelphia opportunities for workforce preparation. WorkReady School-Year opportunities are available by invitation only. WorkReady Summer programming runs between July and August each year. For many young people, work experiences are a critical first introduction to the world of work. WorkReady Summer provides a variety of program options through our 75+ partner organizations throughout Philadelphia. This summer, the program will offer safe in-person experiences for young people to gain valuable experience and develop critical skills. WorkReady partners and supporters are working to raise awareness and raise funds so that more young people can work this summer. WorkReady is managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). For more information, visit www.workready.org/.