“A press conference held at Marygrove Conservancy celebrating the
launch of “Grow Detroit’s Youth Talent 2023 Summer Work Experience.”
This program has provided work experiences for more than 8,000 Detroit
Youth” – Derek Thompson
What is GDYT?
Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) is a citywide summer jobs program that trains and employs young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 for up to 120 hours. Youth participants must be permanent residents of the City of Detroit and be eligible to work in the United States. There are a broad range of jobs available to the participants. Examples of jobs include: community cleanups, event planning, accounting, retail and the Junior Police or Fire Cadets to name a few. Last year, over 8,000 local youth received employment, which is our goal again this year.
How the Program Works
Youth Recruitment and Matching – Eligible youth are recruited through educational institutions, community organizations and the city’s workforce development system. Youth are matched to employers based on interest, skill level, and accessibility. Employers who attend a career fair are invited to interview and select candidates; otherwise, GDYT staff will manage the placement process.
Workplace Readiness – GDYT youth receive at least 12 hours of work readiness training prior to placement.
Youth Support – Participants receive an hourly wage between $10 to $15 per hour or training stipend between $1,200 and $2,000. Youth are supported throughout the summer by a Worksite Monitor, who provides encouragement and advice to ensure a meaningful placement. Participants also receive bus passes to assist with transportation, to and from their site.
Employer Support – Every employer will be provided: 1) an Employer Orientation (live or virtual); 2) an Employer Tool Kit; and 3) a Worksite Monitor/Program Liaison. DESC serves as the employer of record and manages the youth payroll process.
How to get involved
There are several ways to partner with GDYT:
Become an Employer Partner by providing a job at your designated worksite and sponsoring a 6-week paid work experience (120 hours) for $2,000 per youth.
Become a Funding Partner by making a financial contribution to the GDYT program to support summer work experiences for Detroit youth.
Become a Nonprofit Partner by serving as a Program Provider or Lead Agency through Connect Detroit.
Be recognized as an Affiliate Partner by directly hiring youth through an existing summer program that you operate.
Volunteer to support key program components (i.e. career fairs, work-readiness training, etc.).
Explore options to provide year round and/or permanent employment opportunities to Detroit youth.
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