Local teens and young adults ages 16-21 will again have the opportunity to participate in a summer employment program that allows them to earn a wage while learning skills they can take into the workforce and beyond.
New Albany, IN – Southern Indiana Works (SIW), the Local Workforce Development Board, is returning with their second year of the SIW SummerWorks program in Southern Indiana. The participating communities are Charlestown, Clarksville, Floyd County, New Albany, and Jeffersonville. An important part of SIW’s mission is to cultivate a skilled workforce. They are working toward that goal by prioritizing next-gen talent, among other initiatives.
“I’m excited for the continuation and expansion of SummerWorks here in southern Indiana,” said Tony Waterson, President & CEO of Southern Indiana Works. “We are expanding last year’s pilot by partnering with additional local municipalities this summer and expanding the program to more youth and worksites. We are continuing our partnership with New Albany, Charlestown, and Clarksville, and adding opportunities with Jeffersonville and Floyd County this year.”
SummerWorks provides work experiences to young people so they can build their employability skills, contribute to their local community, and explore new career fields. Clarksville Parks and Recreation Superintendent, BJ Nelson Lynton, looks forward to hiring five youth in the parks maintenance department. “We are excited to partner with Southern Indiana Works once again, empowering youth and shaping a brighter future together,” said Nelson Lynton.
Youth apply to the program, are interviewed, and are placed at one of the worksites based on their location and interests. The paid summer jobs also include weekly job readiness workshops. The program prioritizes youth applicants who face barriers and come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges is honored to participate in the SummerWorks program again this year. “We are proud to have an opportunity to engage with youth in public service work and to support critical programs like the SummerWorks program that help young people identify pathways to successful and fulfilling careers,” said Mayor Hodges.
In 2023, the pilot year of SIW SummerWorks, 17 youth in Floyd and Clark County worked 1,800 hours during the six-week program. SummerWorks was the first experience of employment for 30% of participants. The participants were surveyed at the end of the summer and reported that:
- 100% felt that they were better prepared for their next job because of the experience;
- 100% believed that they learned new skills during their work experience;
- 100% felt supported by the staff of their worksite; and
- 3% would recommend their SummerWorks employer to another student or participant.
Participant employers were also surveyed and 100% of the surveyed supervisors would host another SummerWorks participant in 2024, and supervisors would recommend 93.3% of the participants for future employment.
Youth interested in the program can register at www.soinworks.com/summerworks.
For additional information about SIW SummerWorks, contact Brittany Dougherty at brittany@soinworks.com.
About Southern Indiana Works, the Local Workforce Development Board
Southern Indiana Works (SIW) is non-profit 501(c)3 and the Local Workforce Development Board that embraces a mission to lead a robust talent development system and cultivate a skilled workforce that advances our community, economy, and quality of life. Serving Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Crawford, Scott and Washington counties in Indiana, SIW envisions a workforce that empowers regional business to be competitive in the global economy. To make this vision a reality SIW prioritizes talent development, economic development, and next-gen talent while maintaining a customer centric system. www.soinworks.com
Add a Comment