The city of Chattanooga’s Department of Youth and Family Development, in collaboration with the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, is unveiling its Temps for Teens summer internship and leadership training initiative, offering teens an opportunity to gain summer employment through local businesses.
“Temps for Teens falls exactly in line with Mayor Berke’s vision of creating smarter students and stronger families,” says Lurone Jennings, YFD administrator. “Opportunities like Temps for Teens promote and encourage education, career development, leadership, mentoring and employment through our local workforce.”
“Providing the tools and resources to our young people is important in ensuring their future success,” says Mayor Andy Berke. “Teenagers engaging with local businesses and seeing themselves in a specific career field are both important parts of the process. I would encourage local businesses to join in this effort to help build a stronger community.”
Youth unemployment rates stretched above 16 percent in 2013, twice the national average for adults. Nearly 200 local businesses have been asked to help address this high rate of teen unemployment during the summer.
The Chamber, along with the city of Chattanooga, is working to encourage employers to hire one or more teens who receive their YFD Leadership Academy certificate. Employers are asked to identify any specific skills or needs in an effort to create “hire ready” applicants.
Temps for Teens applications are available online at chattanoogayouthandfamily.com or at any of the 18 Youth and Family Development Centers (formerly Rec Centers). Each application must be completed and returned to a YFD Center or at 1102 South Watkins St. from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The application deadline for teens to apply is Tuesday, May 27, at noon.
Interested employers are encouraged to participate in the Temps for Teens program. Please contact Angela Daniels, YFD career development coordinator, at 643-6804.