MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Business leaders in Memphis were ready to change young lives.
They gathered at the Pink Palace Museum on Thursday just days before they bring on 1,000 new workers.
The businesses were all responsible for making sure students get real work experience this summer.
Baptist Hospital has partnered with the city to put 20 students to work with hands-on projects.
“They become knowledgeable about some of the health issue and needs in our community. They put together health fairs and events where we do outreach in the community,” said Cynthia Allen with Baptist Memorial Health Care.
Businesses that have seen the challenges youth face hoped they could offer an alternative.
“The image our city has reflects on our company directly. So if we are helping our youth when our youth are being placed on TV for negative things, we want to do this to help them do better,” said Tess Douglas with The American Queen Steamboat Company.
The company agreed to take 4 students this summer.
“Everyone in our office is excited about having these kids come on,” said Douglas.
Thousands of students tried to get work, but there was room for only 1,000.
The city said it needed even more businesses to get on board.
“For many this is going to be their first job opportunity so we hope they will get an opportunity to see what it means to have meaningful employment,” said James Nelson, Director of the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services.
The students, ages 14 to 21, will be paid by the City of Memphis, from 8 to 11 dollars an hour.
Mayor A C Wharton said this overhaul of the Summer Youth Employment Program will be money well spent.
“At least people can see we are getting our financial house in order. It’s time to institute or re-institute programs such as this,” he said.
WREG was told there will be youth specialists working with the businesses and students to make sure the young people are showing up for work and address any concerns.
They not only want to put them to work, but teach them to be good employees.
The summer jobs will end mid-July.
