Chamber Supports Youth Work Opportunities

Because of concern about the recent surge in youth violence in Philadelphia and other regional cities, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is giving new emphasis to our commitment to provide meaningful work opportunities for young adults.

The Chamber’s efforts include working with the WorkReady Philadelphia system of programs that connect Philadelphia’s youth with the experiences and training they need to become tomorrow’s skilled workforce.

Also, the Chamber is using its position as a public policy advocate to propose that Pennsylvania employers receive certain tax credits as an incentive to hire at-risk youth.

Specifically, our efforts include working to reinvigorate the Business Mentoring Youth (BMY) program and to develop a comprehensive coordinated marketing plan to substantially increase Employer Paid Internships. 

BMY matches students with business mentors for two hours a week during the academic year. The BMY students are unpaid; commute to the BMY mentor;s business after school (generally from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on a specified day); and the BMY students receive half an academic credit towards graduation for their successful completion of the BMY program.

Through BMY, 10th grade high school students learn vital skills for successful entry into a summer paid internship program.

In summer 2006, more than 440 young people worked at area companies in the Employer Paid Internship program of WorkReady Philadelphia. The demand for a paid internship greatly exceeded the supply:  an equal number of qualified young people could not be placed.

The Chamber’s goal for 2007 is to have 1,000 qualified youths placed in paid summer internships.  Last year’s participating employers said they would take part again and that they would recommend the program to colleagues.

If you would like more information on Business Mentoring Youth or the Employer Paid Internship program, please contact Tara Quay at  tquay@greaterpgilachamber.com or 215-790-3732. Our partners at WorkReady Philadelphia are Philadelphia Youth Network, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and the School District of Philadelphia.

In addition, the Chamber wants to play a constructive role by using our advocacy ability, particularly in Harrisburg.  That’s why we approached Rep. John Taylor about sponsoring legislation that would provide tax credits to employers who hire at-risk young people ages 14-21. Rep. Taylor has introduced House Bill 3031, providing for a youth employment incentive tax credit. For those Chamber members in Pennsylvania, we strongly encourage you to contact your legislators to support HB 3031.   

And the Chamber will be partnering with the Philadelphia Daily News for a Rethinking Philadelphia program in early 2007, which will address this issue and how you can get involved and make a difference. 

The Chamber views these efforts to improve at-risk youth job opportunities as consistent with our mission to help regional business compete nationally and globally by creating a strong workforce for tomorrow. They are key components in the economic growth agenda for our region.