San Jose Standard

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San José Works 2023 summer program formally launched on Monday, June 26. The six-week-long summer work experience program will offer 375 San José youth from low-income and underserved communities a professional learning experience of meaningful and practical work related to a career of interest.

“Since 2015, over 5,000 youth have gained valuable job experience ensuring that we continue to build a pipeline to careers for underserved communities and a skilled workforce for Silicon Valley employers,” explained San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “When we invest in our youth, our entire community will see the benefits.”

San José Works is a partnership between the City of San José’s work2future program and Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) Youth Empowerment Alliance (formerly known as the Mayor's Gang Prevention Task Force). The program provides youth ages 14-18 with paid work experiences in high-growth sectors such as Information Technology, Finance, Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care, and Construction.

“Through San José Works, we’re connecting underserved youth with internship opportunities with top employers in the South Bay like Intuit and Roku,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “We’re giving local high school students a strong foundation – connecting them with mentors, resources and the support needed to thrive in the workforce.”

This summer, participating youth will be placed in a total of 100 different types of jobs in organizations such as CreaTV, the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, the San José Fire Department, and more. In addition to job experience, youth will receive critical life skill instruction in core competencies such as job readiness, financial literacy, and time management and supportive services such as transportation and clothing. Participants may take advantage of mentorship and job coaches to assist with continuing a career path, as well as job placement and supportive services provided by work2future once this summer program ends.

"We are thrilled to witness the growth and development of these talented young individuals as they enter the workforce," said Ruby Carrasco, Program Manager of San José Works. "This program serves as a bridge between young talent and employers, fostering economic growth and building a strong workforce for the future of San José."

Approximately 80% of participants come from low-resource backgrounds and neighborhoods.  Youth are referred to the program through PRNS’ Youth Empowerment Alliance and partnerships with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley, Opportunity Youth Academy, East Side Union High School District, and the Santa Clara Probation office.

To learn more about San José Works, please visit bit.ly/SanJoseWorks or contact Ruby Carrasco at ruby.carrasco@sanjoseca.gov or 408- 390-7566.

About the City of San José
With almost one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.

About the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of San José recognizes that the arts and culture are essential elements in the character and quality of life in a vibrant community and seeks to ensure that San José is an effective hub of a wide array of arts and cultural opportunities throughout Silicon Valley. The Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), a division of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs in the City Manager’s Office, is the lead City of San José agency for stewarding a vibrant arts sector. 

Original source can be found here.