GRow1000 was launched the summer of 2020 in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing racial and economic disparities. City Manager Mark Washington called on business and community leaders to help mitigate these effects by employing 1,000 young people during the summer. Over the last two summers, the GRow1000 program has placed over 800 youth in meaningful jobs at more than 70 unique job sites at area businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and government.
During the spring and summer of 2023, GRow1000 Academy will again take place funded in part by Bank of America! This employment experience is curated with the 18 to 24-year-old population in mind. These young people will enhance their employability skills, (re)discover gifts and talents, and build upon their ability to make meaningful decisions.
Participants will work a total of 16 weeks, 20 hours per week and make $17 per hour. Work experiences will be curated to ensure exposure to all aspects of participating business/org. -- creating pathways to future careers.
Program Eligibility
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Age 18 to 24
- Complete program application
- Live in the city of Grand Rapids (Program admission preferences will be given to residents and those who live in a Neighborhood of Focus where unemployment rates are the highest and access to capital is limited)
- Commit to 2 weeks of training
- Commit to working 16 weeks at 20 hours per week
Program and Employment Dates:
- Professional Development Training: April 24th - May 5th
- Job Fair & Matching: Week of May 8th
- Employment Dates: May - August 2023 (16 weeks)
Employer Details:
The employer of record will be the participating business/org. which will commit to covering 50% of the wages earned by the GRow1000 Academy participants. Grant dollars from Bank of America will support the remaining 50% through a wage reimbursement process. At the conclusion of the internship, the employer of record will evaluate the work performance and if satisfactory, commit to providing a permanent part-time or full-time position.
Monthly professional development sessions facilitated by participating businesses and post-secondary support provided by Our Community’s Children’s T2C Studio: Grand Rapids Center for College Success will be key additional components to the internship.