MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The city’s MPLOY program, which pays young people from each City Council District to work at area businesses over the summer, is almost through its first week.
While 855 kids are at work at their respective jobs, there are still 146 positions open, even though 63 businesses are in place.
The young people are either in college, high school, middle school or non-traditional programs.
James Nelson with the city’s Office of Youth Services said while the young people were drawn from the program’s lottery, more than one hundred young people did not meet basic requirements to go to work this summer.
Many did not answer emails, phone calls or mailed letters.
“There are people who did not bring in the documentation to show proof of residency or they didn’t show,” Nelson said.
It left Councilwoman Wanda Halbert disappointed.
She said she believes the city has done its part.
She and Councilwoman Janice Fullilove will oversee the office’s last attempt to reach out to these young people before picking new ones from the same lottery pool.
Almost 30 kids are working at Baptist Memorial Hospital over the summer.
Some of the MPLOY participants told WREG they work about 30 hours a week in the departments suited to their interests.
WREG met with students working with the hospital’s legal team, communications staff, and technology services.
“I’ve done a lot in the last few days,” said MPLOY participant Jamayca Harris.
Baptist System Community Involvement Manager for Baptist Memorial Healthcare, Cynthia Allen, said the organization appreciates the help.
She said Baptist is also thankful for the opportunity to prevent possible juvenile problems in Memphis.
“It’s everybody’s responsibility as a member of our community when you want to see our children do well and grow and have these kinds of experiences and opportunities,” Allen said.
MPLOY participant Joseph Pryer said he encourages the students who are offered the opportunity to take part.
“Stop procrastinating, because they’re doing nothing but hurting themselves in the long run,” Pryer said.
The city said it hopes to have the 146 positions filled by the middle of next week.
