By Kiara Duncan Staff Writer
Teens can’t count on getting a summer job at a fast food restaurant anymore. Detroit has long had a summer job shortage, but according to a recent story on WDET, Michigan’s youth unemployment rate is now the highest in the nation, at 59%.
To address the problem, companies have begun to reach out to schools and provide summer jobs. STEaM program coordinator Chad Segrist said DIT’s community partners want to help, and understand that working with schools will improve the workforce for the future.
“Our partners know we have to prepare students with the skills necessary for when they move past high school,” Segrist said.
Detroit Youth Energy Squad (D-YES) will hire 15-20 students for jobs that teach fundamental work skills along with a chance to help people in their communities.
The workers spend 30 hours per week for six weeks in teams that focus on environmental issues including helping people make their homes more energy efficient, cleaning neighborhoods, and improving green spaces in the city.
Last summer, DIT senior Maranda Patterson searched for jobs and did the call back process but never had any luck. She ended up working for D-YES and loved the job because she was making a difference while also getting paid. She also said she learned work skills that would be useful for any job.
“Working there taught me to voice my opinion more and also how to communicate my ideas correctly,” Patterson said.
Go Green sustainability coordinator Gibran Washington works with the Cody DIT Green Team throughout the school year and with D-YES in the summer. He encourages Green Team members to apply.
“To get the most from the job, if you come with the mindset that you want to take something from it, you gain knowledge,” Washington said.
In addition to an hourly wage, D-YES workers earn a scholarship of $1,212.44 at the end of the summer program that can be used at any postsecondary school.
Several other partners will be hiring teens this summer. Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Student Conservation Association, and Greening of Detroit will each provide 10-12 STEaM related jobs, and CCS Community Arts Partnership will hire 12 students from the Cody Campus to work on public art projects inside the school and out in the community.
