GRow1000 Youth Employment Program
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 five summers, the GRow1000 Summer Youth Employment Program has employed 1,150 youth in meaningful jobs at unique job sites at area businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and government.
This summer young people ages 15 to 24 will have the opportunity to explore a career and obtain valuable work experience while earning money. Pay for all work assignments will be $13.00/per hour.
The first day employees will report to work is Monday, June 9th. The last day employees will report to work is Friday, July 18th. Program participants will be matched with employers for a 6-week, 120-hour, paid work experience. Through this experience, area businesses and organizations will introduce youth to real-world work environments and create pathways to future careers.
Please Note: The GRow1000 Youth Application has been closed for the Summer of 2025. We encourage all interested youth and families to apply to the GRow1000 Summer Youth Employment Program next year!
IMPORTANT
Current GRow1000 Youth Applicants must complete and submit ALL GRow1000 2025 Youth Applicant Onboarding Documents & Materials accessed through their NEOGOV Applicant Portal Dashboard by Friday, May 9th by 5:00 p.m. to be eligible to participate in GRow1000 for Summer 2025.
Please refer to the applicant email account used to apply to GRow1000 2025 for follow-up communication and instructions to activate your NEOGOV Applicant Portal Dashboard and submit the required Onboarding Documents to the City of Grand Rapids – Human Resources.
For any additional questions related to your application or required Onboarding Document submissions, please refer to the Youth Applicant FAQ’s or contact City of Grand Rapids – Human Resources Dept. at jobs@grcity.us or 616.456.3176.
Program Highlights
The GRow1000 Program will continue to institute a series of weekly training seminars each Friday throughout the length of the program called GRow Further Fridays. Each session is designed to teach youth participants professional development topics such as Dressing for Success, Public Speaking and Financial Literacy.
In addition to the GRow Further Friday professional development sessions, other new implementations will include:
- Easy, two-step weekly timesheet submissions for both employees and employers.
- On-site visits by Our Community’s Children staff.
- Electronic GRower & Worksite Supervisor feedback forms.
- Collaborative GRow1000 End of Program Celebration.
- And much more..
Youth Applicant GRowcase Opportunities
Our Community's Children staff, along with participating GRow1000 worksites, will also host a Meet-and-Greet style showcase. These events allowing youth applicants to learn more about potential worksites and work assignments during the program. The first GRowcase session on Monday, April 14th will also provide opportunities to ask questions regarding their application or onboarding paperwork.
This session will be located in the City Commission Chambers at Grand Rapids City Hall on the following dates:
- Monday, April 14th – 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Monday, April 28th – 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Pre-Employment Orientation Training Sessions
Invited Applicants Only
All GRow1000 Participants must attend one (1) of the following Pre-Employment Orientation Training Session dates:
- Monday, May 19th – 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 20th – 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 21st – 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Orientation sessions are by invite only. Participants will receive an email inviting them to attend their assigned orientation date. Call Our Community's Children at (616) 456-3102 if you have not received an email about orientation by Friday, May 16th.
Donations
As we plan for another summer of prosperity where our GRowers can earn a competitive wage, learn skills foundational for success, and serve as a premier youth talent pool for employers; your financial contribution is critical.
Consider supporting the GRow1000 Summer Youth Employment Program in the following ways:
- Donate any amount to defray program costs and/or wages. Program costs include bus passes, a mentoring program component, and the facilitation of professional development workshops for youth and business partners.
- Sponsor youth placed at a local nonprofit that can provide a job opportunity but cannot afford to cover wages. The cost per youth placement is $1,600.
Checks can be made payable to the City of Grand Rapids, Attn: Our Community’s Children, 245 State Street SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49503. To make a donation by credit card via the City of Grand Rapids’ payment system, please contact Shannon L. Harris, Executive Director, at 616.456.3558 or sharris@grcity.us and indicate the amount of the donation and a link will be sent to initiate your transaction.
Phone
Fax
Location
GRow1000 Youth Application & Onboarding Questions
616-456-3176
GRow1000 Program Questions
616-456-3102
Business Partner Application Questions
Zachary Laraway
OCC Program Coordinator
