Working Solutions: Changing 1,000 Lives with Employer-Paid Summer Internships

Starting July 2, 1,000 Philadelphia young people will begin working in local companies for the summer as part of an initiative by the Chamber to identify employer-paid positions.

The internships are a major component of Working Solutions, the Chamber’s workforce development initiative, supported by corporate partner Commerce Bank and managing partner the Philadelphia Youth Network.

Philadelphia Youth Network is part of the WorkReady Philadelphia partnership that also includes the School District of Philadelphia and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Because of the regional business community’s response, the number of employer-paid internships for this summer is more than double the 441 placements that Philadelphia Youth Network had available last summer.

“I'm pleased that our business community has so willingly and enthusiastically embraced Working Solutions. We would not have achieved our goal of 1,000 internships without their dedication and full support,” said Joe Frick, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross.

The initiative has been supported by 138 regional businesses, foundations, and non-profit organizations that contributed either paid internship positions or funding for a position. Click here to view the list of participants.

“Our success reflects the willingness of regional businesses to open doors of opportunity today and to develop the workforce of tomorrow,” said Mark Schweiker, Chamber president & CEO. “We know that everyone benefits from such a program – the interns, the employers, the community and the region.”

Each position costs the employer at least $1,600. The interns, ages 16 to 21, were pre-screened by PYN and interviewed by the prospective employers. Several large employers are hiring 25 to 50 interns while smaller organizations are hiring one or two.

The program is six-weeks long. The interns will work Mondays through Thursdays weekly for at least 20 hours. On Fridays, they meet together at WorkReady-sponsored workshops to hone job-related skills.

“Because of the vision and hard work of leaders like Joe Frick and Mark Schweiker, and the many businesses that have ‘stepped up’ to meet their challenge, there are hundreds more young people who will be getting their first break this summer,” said Laura Shubilla, President, Philadelphia Youth Network. “ These are the kinds of jobs and connections to professionals that can really open doors - especially for kids who don’t otherwise have that kind of access.”

In addition to identifying employer-paid internships, the Working Solutions initiative includes support for a proposed Pennsylvania tax credit for businesses that provide paid internships to qualified young people. Mr. Schweiker recently testified before the Pa. House Finance Committee in favor of House Bill 333. Also, Working Solutions includes Business Mentoring Youth, a workplace program for Philadelphia 10th graders.

"Commerce Bank is thrilled to support the Working Solutions program, and we congratulate the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the Philadelphia Youth Network on an outstanding effort," said Commerce Bank Senior Vice President Roger Bomgardner. "Commerce is dedicated to creating both educational and job opportunities in our communities, and we are proud to participate in a program that succeeds in providing both so successfully."

For more information or to get involved, contact Working Solutions at 215-790-3732 or visit greaterphilachamber.com.