About
GRow1000 was launched in the summer of 2020 as a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing racial injustices and economic disparities. City Manager Mark Washington called on business and community leaders to help mitigate these effects by employing 1,000 young people during the summer. The community stepped up to the challenge! Over the last five summers, the GRow1000 program employed over 1,000 youth in meaningful jobs at unique job sites at area businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and government.
In an effort to promote longer-term employment opportunities this fall, GRow1000 Academy, a spin-off from the summer youth employment program, will again take place. This program is funded in part by Bank of America and the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation. GRow1000 Academy will again take place funded in part by Bank of America! This employment experience is curated with the 18 to 24-year-old population in mind. These young people will enhance their employability skills, (re)discover gifts and talents, and build upon their ability to make meaningful decisions.
Participants will work a total of 16 weeks, 20 hours per week and make $17/hr. Work experiences will be curated to ensure exposure to all aspects of participating business/org. — creating pathways to future careers.
Eligibility
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Age 18 to 24
- Complete program application by September 27
- Live in the city of Grand Rapids (Program admission preferences will be given to residents and those who live in a Neighborhood of Focus where unemployment rates are the highest and access to capital is limited)
- Commit to working 16 weeks at 20 hrs./week
- All Applicants must complete a screening interview prior to participation
Program & Employment Dates:
- Professional Development Training: September 30 – October 11
- In-person Workshops: Monday – Friday
- Job Fair & Matching: Monday, October 14
- Employment Dates: October – February (16 weeks)
