Goodwill Seeks Employers, Youth for CAREER AHEAD Summer Work Experience Program

May 20^th, 2019 – Goodwill of the Heartland is looking for employers and youth to participate in its new CAREER AHEAD summer work experience program. The project is being funded as part of the state’s Future Ready Iowa Summer Youth Intern Pilot Program for low-income students at risk of not graduating from high school. Goodwill is receiving $53,737 for its program, which is designed to help youth explore and prepare for high-demand careers. Five projects in all received support in this first funding round with a combined total of $248,367 in awards. Goodwill’s project will begin in June and will target the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City and Burlington communities.

Goodwill is looking for employer partners for this new initiative, specifically in the fields of advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, engineering, information technology and finance, business and management. This is great way for local businesses to get involved in developing their workforce of tomorrow. There is no financial cost to the employer to participate. Employers are needed to assist the participating youth with career exploration including job shadows and internships, as well as mentoring.

Goodwill is also looking for youth interested in getting a jump start on their careers, as well as referral partners to help encourage participation. The program offers paid work experience to the participating youth. To enroll as a youth participant, or to offer support as an employer partner or referral source, please contact:

Burlington:  Annette Remick, aremick@goodwillheartland.org, 319-208-0291

Cedar Rapids:  Melissa Kim, mkim@goodwillheartland.org, 319-739-5090

Iowa City:  Jenni Fratzke, jfratzke@goodwillheartland.org, 319-248-4701

Quad Cities:  Paulette Risden-Rice, price@goodwillheartland.org, 563-484-3707

 

About Goodwill of the Heartland

The mission of Goodwill of the Heartland is to advance the social and economic well-being of people who experience barriers to independence. Goodwill offers life and job skill development, work experience, job placement assistance, day habilitation, supported community living, workforce services to employers and contract manufacturing, assembly and packaging. Last year Goodwill provided over 19,000 services to people with barriers in its 19-county service area. For more information, including retail, donation and service locations, please visit www.goodwillheartland.org or call toll free 1-866-466-7881.