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During a time when many cities are announcing the cancellation of their city’s summer jobs programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Philadelphia partners are united and committed to ensuring young people are safe, healthy, and able to engage in paid workforce experiences. Through innovation and collaboration, The City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families, the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN), Philadelphia Works and WorkReady partner organizations are using both digital and virtual experiences that will build skills and prepare young people for success in the workplaces of the future.

This year, WorkReady experiences will be redesigned. All participants will have a digital experience to earn incentives. These digital experiences are both mobile and computer friendly and will focus on:

• Digital Career Exposure to learn about various career opportunities based on personal interests, abilities, aptitudes, leading to the implementation of a career plan.
• Financial Literacy to learn how money is earned, spent, saved and how to use financial resources.
• Digital Literacy and Brand Identity to learn how to use, share and contribute to information through digital technologies.

In addition to these digital experiences, some WorkReady partner organizations will be using platforms such as Google Classroom to provide enhanced virtual experiences for example job shadows or career day. PYN will continue to monitor guidelines and recommendations from local, state and federal officials to determine if a transition for any in-person experiences will be possible this summer. Participants will also earn money based on successful participation in these activities.

“We know that these summer experiences for young people will be more important than ever in the months and years to come as we collectively contribute to Philadelphia’s and the nation’s economic recovery,” said Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, President and CEO of PYN. “Our young people are an asset, and we are still #ALLin4WorkReady to cultivate their talent and potential.”

There are three ways to get involved at workready.org:

1. Apply if you are between 12-24 living in Philadelphia
2. Hire young people virtually this summer. We’re here to help you think this through.
3. Donate to the Philly Summer Jobs fund. Every dollar helps us to help create as many opportunities as possible this summer.

“We want to make sure that our young people are included in these recovery efforts,” said Cynthia Figueroa, Deputy Mayor, Philadelphia Office of Children and Families. “Investing in summer experiences will help lift our communities and City beyond this pandemic and we are proud to stand as a city #ALLin4WorkReady.”

“We fully understand the severity of the economic impact COVID-19 is having on our local economy and how businesses are navigating this,” said H. Patrick Clancy, President and CEO of Philadelphia Works. “Developing a strong talent pipeline remains a priority for our city and its economic recovery and summer experiences remain a critical part of this.”