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 program has now placed over 1,000 youth in meaningful jobs at more than 70 unique job sites at area businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and government.
For Fall 2024, 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 approximately 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 each day (Monday-Friday) from 8 AM - 4 PM.
- Commit to working approximately 16 weeks at 20 hours per week
- Must have reliable transportation to/from GRow1000 Academy professional development workshops and any off-site training locations.
Important Notes:
- Participants are not guaranteed employment after the two-week professional development training.
- All participants must successfully complete the two-week professional development training to participate in the GRow1000 Academy Job Fair on October 14, 2024. All participants will need an updated professional resume and cover letter to participate in the Job Fair.
- A list of participating employers will be available to participants prior to the GRow1000 Academy Job Fair.
Participant Attendance:
- Participants must attend at least 70% (7/10) of the two-week professional development workshops in-person to remain eligible to attend the GRow1000 Academy Job Fair on October 14th.
- Schedule Accommodations: Participants unable to make workshop sessions due to their current school or work schedules can access workshop information and materials to complete at home to maintain eligibility in the program. See participant attendance requirements for eligibility.
*New For Fall 2024:
- New Professional Development Workshops: Participants will have opportunities to participate in new and innovative professional development sessions with local youth workforce development professionals over the two-week training period.
- Employer-reviewed GRowfiles: Each participant can create a professional profile, known as a "GRowfile", allowing employers to review their resumes, cover letters, and professional skills prior to the GRow1000 Academy Job Fair.
- Weekly Mentor Support: Check-in sessions with Our Community's Children staff for participants to receive additional support and resources throughout the program.
Program and Employment Dates:
- Professional Development Training: September 30th - October 11th
- Job Fair & Employment Offers Sent: Week of October 14th
- Employment Dates: October 2024 - February 2024 (approximately 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.