Participants of the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program gaining valuable skills.
In 2025, Grand Rapids will significantly expand its Summer Youth Career Readiness Program, increasing enrollment from 76 to over 140 participants. Aimed at youth aged 14-24, the program runs from June 23 to August 1, offering vital career training opportunities across multiple industries. Participants will also receive compensation at $14 per hour while gaining essential job skills. Registration is open until May 5, encouraging local youth to sign up and take part in practical training and employment.
Grand Rapids is set to expand its Summer Youth Career Readiness Program for 2025, aiming to meet the rising demand for career training among young individuals. The West Michigan Works! Ascend Youth Program will run from June 23 to August 1 and is tailored for youth aged 14 to 24 in the counties of Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa. Registration for this program is open until May 5, with interested candidates encouraged to sign up at westmiworks.org.
This year’s program will increase its enrollment cap significantly, allowing over 140 participants compared to last year’s 76. This nearly doubled capacity reflects the growing need for career readiness and practical training among the youth in the region.
To be part of the program, participants are required to commit to working 20 hours a week. They will engage in both in-person employment and virtual WorkREADY training during the first week of the program. Participants will receive compensation at a rate of $14 per hour, providing not only work experience but also financial support.
The primary aim of the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program is to furnish participants with real-world work experience, essential job skills, and a foundation for future careers. The program includes online training components that cover areas such as career exploration, problem-solving skills in the workplace, and the development of soft skills, which are crucial for today’s job market.
Additionally, the Ascend Youth Services team is prepared to assist participants who may encounter challenges due to unreliable internet access, ensuring that all youth can fully engage with the training materials.
Participants will be placed in various industries based on their skills and interests, allowing them to gain diverse experiences in the workforce. This structure aims to help them better understand potential career paths while gaining practical skills that employers seek. An example of success from the previous summer’s program is Chasity Fedon, who was employed at the Ionia Smoothie Company after completing the program. Fedon noted that the experience alleviated her concerns about securing her first job and taught her valued workplace habits that will benefit her in the future.
The expansion of the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program underscores a commitment to youth development and workforce preparedness in West Michigan. By doubling the number of participants and offering a broad range of training and employment opportunities, the program aims to make a significant impact on the career trajectories of young individuals in the community.
The program’s emphasis on tangible work experience, coupled with supportive training, addresses the critical need for skill development among the youth, helping them to navigate future employment challenges successfully.
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