Building the Region’s 21st Century Workforce

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, with the corporate support of Commerce Bank, announces a new initiative, Working Solutions, designed to build the region’s 21st century workforce through the commitment and support of regional employers.    

Comprised of several programs, leadership opportunities, and policy proposals, Working Solutions provides reciprocal learning opportunities for both students and businesses.

To address the epidemic of youth violence in Philadelphia, the Chamber has developed Working Solutions to build the region’s next generation of workers and provide those traditionally underrepresented in the business community exposure to a professional environment. 

The vitality of the regional economy and the availability of job opportunities should help mitigate the level of violence and crime in the region.

According to the Chamber’s President & CEO Mark Schweiker, “It is incumbent upon each of us as stakeholders in the future of this city and region to identify new ways to prevent violence, especially among our youth.  Working in alliance with our region’s companies and employers, and elected officials, we will provide meaningful jobs for youth and make a positive difference.” 

Components of Working Solutions include:

• Rethinking Philadelphia – forum to explore regional topics such as youth development programs
• Business Mentoring Youth - mentoring program for high-school students
• Employer-Paid Internships - paid summer internships for students
• Advocating for Tax Credits for Businesses- creating incentives for businesses demonstrating a commitment to the region’s youth

Rethinking Philadelphia, presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Daily News, will focus on the tragic and growing rate of student drop-outs in the Greater Philadelphia region.  In late-February, the forum will feature discussions on current resources and programs targeting at-risk youth, best practices pertaining to youth workforce development, and new and creative opportunities to link students with business.

Business Mentoring Youth is a weekly mentoring program for 10th grade students. It provides them with a model for success, connects them to the business community, and encourages them to establish personal and professional goals.

Through Employer-Paid Internships, pre-qualified Philadelphia youth will gain the tools and experience necessary to become tomorrow’s skilled workforce.  Currently, many qualified and capable young people cannot take advantage of summer internships because funded opportunities are not available.  The Chamber is responding to this need by partnering with local youth development agencies to facilitate a connection to the business community and encourage the creation of more competititve internship opportunities.

In an effort to build employer participation, the Chamber is advocating for the passage of state legislation to provide tax credit incentives for businesses that employ underprivileged youth in Pennsylvania. 

Both the Business Mentoring Youth and Employer-Paid Internship programs are part of WorkReady Philadelphia, a collaborative partnership between Philadelphia Youth Network, the School District of Philadelphia and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

To get involved and help to ensure a strong economic future for Greater Philadelphia, contact Tara Quay at tquay@greaterphilachamber.com or 215-790-3732.