Summer Youth Employment Program Receives Big Boost

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The county’s Summer Youth Employment Program has received four grants totaling $307,000, which will help ensure that virtual training and onsite opportunities will continue again this year. Of the total, $100,000 is from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, $100,000 from BGE $60,000 from Bank of America, and $47,000 from Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and the Citi Foundation’s Summer Jobs Connect Initiative.

Baltimore County’s Summer Youth Employment Program provides a six-week summer employment program for youth ages 14-21 offering real-world work experiences. This year, students will be placed in either virtual or onsite opportunities.

“We believe in creating summer employment opportunities for students because we know they play a vital role in finding success in the classroom and with future workforce opportunities,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “We're thankful for our partners like Bank of America, the Weinberg Foundation, BGE, the Citi Foundation and Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund for recognizing the important impact this program makes and for investing in the future of Baltimore County youth.”

Funding will be used to support a diverse range of efforts, including providing financial literacy education and expanding banking options, more opportunities to serve youth in ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed) communities and hiring additional support staff.

“This program comes at a critical time for Baltimore County’s young people,” noted BCF president and CEO Shanaysha Sauls.

“After a year of remote learning, this is a vital opportunity to reconnect, build relationships and gain new skills that will benefit them academically and beyond," Sauls said.