Erie's summer youth jobs program starting 2024 season. How teens can apply

A.J. Rao, Erie Times-News
Updated ·3 min read

Connecting young people to local businesses and industries can play a critical role in building careers ― and, in turn, boosting the local economy.

That’s the philosophy behind the Erie County Earn and Learn program, a collaborative effort between county government, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and the Greater Erie Community Action Committee.

The program, a retooled version of the Summer Jobs and More (JAM) program, provides job readiness training, career exploration and employment opportunities for Erie County youth throughout the year.

Erie County Executive Brenton Davis and GECAC Executive Director Danny Jones kicked off another season of the program Tuesday, informing the public that applications are now being accepted.

Greater Erie Community Action Committee Executive Director Danny Jones, on left, and Erie County Executive Brenton Davis speak at a news conference about the Earn and Learn program on May 14, 2024 at the Erie County Courthouse.
Greater Erie Community Action Committee Executive Director Danny Jones, on left, and Erie County Executive Brenton Davis speak at a news conference about the Earn and Learn program on May 14, 2024 at the Erie County Courthouse.

“This program is designed to tackle the shortage of workers for local employers while providing on-the-job opportunities for different youth and career pathways,” Davis told reporters at the Erie County Courthouse.

“We believe in the importance of investing ― one, in our youth, and (also) investing in developing our local industrial clusters and investing in opportunities right here in Erie County.”

Who’s eligible?

Participants must be Erie County residents, ages 14-21, whose family income is within 250% of federal poverty guidelines, according to GECAC, which administers the program.

What do participants do?

The program hosts 150 participants.

Tier 1 includes youth, ages 14-17, who have no work experience. This group will focus on job readiness training and soft skills like time management and teamwork.

Tier 2 includes youth, ages 18-21, with previous job experience or who are career oriented. This group will focus on existing career opportunities in Erie County.

Tier 1 participants will earn $8.25 an hour. Tier 2 participants will earn $10 an hour. In both cases, a successful evaluation could mean a pay raise.

“In previous years, many students have used these funds towards helping their families or helping themselves for school or school supplies,” Earn and Learn Director Jamilia Gates said.

Youth are matched with employers based on employer specifications, geographic proximity and availability of reliable transportation for youth, according to GECAC.

Gates said jobs encompass a variety of sectors to include childcare, food service, community centers, receptionist work and helping small businesses.

Opportunities have also been available at Erie Insurance, Gannon University, the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House, the Martin Luther King Center and the Booker T. Washington Center, Gates said.

Since GECAC will now cover all wages, payroll taxes and worker's compensation for Tier 1 participants, more job opportunities might be available, Gates added.

How to apply?

Applications are available on the GECAC website at gecac.org.

The youth application deadline is May 31.

At the end of the application, applicants will have the ability to schedule an appointment with the Earn and Learn staff to complete the rest of their application.

For more information, contact Gates at 814-459-4581 ext. 407 or email earnlearn@gecac.org.

Summer JAM becomes Earn and Learn: Youth Summer JAM becomes 'Earn and Learn' workforce development program

A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Earn and Learn links young workers to job market