O’Connor Admin Commits $1 Million for Year-Round Learn & Earn program

“The Learn & Earn summer model has helped our young people to get job experience, earn a paycheck, build their confidence, find potential career paths and develop skills,” said Mayor O’Connor. “Expanding the program year-round is an investment in the future and success of our youth and the next generation of talent in the region.” 

The year-round program pilot, which will be managed by Partner4Work, will build on the success of the Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program, which has connected thousands of the region’s youth with professional development opportunities. The year-round program will provide paid work experiences, career readiness training, mentorship and workforce development, in addition to support skills like financial literacy and others.  

“Year-Round Learn & Earn is about turning short-term work experience into long-term opportunities,” said Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work. “This expansion gives young people more time to build skills, more exposure to career pathways, and more meaningful connections to employers who can help shape their future.”   

The pilot will serve youth and young adults through a dual track model. 

• Youth ages 16 to 17 will participate in Track One, gaining paid work experience during the school year while learning the skills that help them succeed on the job including communication, professionalism, time management and teamwork. They will also have the chance to explore different industries and begin thinking about future career paths.
• Young adults ages 18 to 23 will be connected to paid work experiences in Track Two that build on their training, credentials or career goals. These placements are designed to help participants gain hands-on experience, grow their professional networks and take meaningful steps toward long-term employment. 

Participants will be employed for up to 16-weeks through two 8-week sessions during the fall and spring while receiving workforce development support. The fall session will run from mid-September through mid-November to allow participants to adjust to their school year before beginning their work experience. The spring session will run from mid-February to mid-April, which will allow the participants to complete their work experience and still have time to apply for the Summer Learn & Earn, which begins in late June.  

Business partners will host participants throughout the program cycle and support pathways to employment for young people who complete the program, based on performance and business needs. Employers who are interested in getting involved can contact Alexis Walker at awalker@partner4work.org.  

The O’Connor Administration is submitting the funding plan to City Council for approval. The City’s contribution will provide the match to a donation for the program’s expansion, for a total investment of $2 million for the pilot.