Join the Challenge to Provide Summer Internships for Youth

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will soon launch its public campaign to promote paid-summer internships at regional businesses for Greater Philadelphia youth.

This initiative will help build the region’s next generation of workers by providing young people with the tools and experience necessary to become capable and productive citizens and employees.

At the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Chairman Joe Frick challenged members of the business community to provide 1,000 summer paid internships in 2007 to pre-qualified youth. This represents more than a 100% increase in internship opportunities from 2006. Through the winter, Mr. Frick, who is also President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, has been promoting the program to other small and large business executives in advance of the public campaign.

In 2006, 441 qualified youth were placed in summer internships while over 400 qualified youth remained on a waiting list. 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 competitive internship opportunities for young people.

"We know that in Philadelphia and across the region, thousands of young people seek internships and related workplace experiences which can provide life-changing benefits, but they are turned away because funded opportunities are simply not available," said Mark Schweiker, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Internships provide students with a model for success, connect them with the business community, and encourage them to establish personal and professional goals. The business community has the resources to connect young people with valuable educational and professional experiences.

“It is incumbent upon each of us as stakeholders in the future of this city and region to identify new ways to create opportunity, especially for 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,” said Mr. Schweiker.

Internship programs provide reciprocal-learning opportunities for both businesses and youth. Thoughtful engagement with employers provides those traditionally underrepresented in the business community with valuable exposure to a professional environment. In the same way, interaction with young people of varying racial, social, and economic backgrounds strengthens the ability of businesses to lead in a diverse world.

Join us. For more information, call 215-790-3732 or visit greaterphilachamber.com.