Goodwill program provides guidance, valuable work experience for Phoenix youth

PHOENIX (June 9, 2008) — This summer, 100 Phoenix youth will be given an opportunity to gain real world experience through Goodwill of Central Arizona’s Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP). The program is intended to provide experience to help youth develop confidence and basic work skills that will prepare them for a path of self-sufficiency.

Youth participants in the program, ranging in age from 14 to 18, will earn a wage of $6.90 per hour for 40 hours per week. SYWEP will host two, five-week sessions with approximately 50 participants working during each session. Employment opportunities include positions in Goodwill’s retail stores as well as with other community organizations who voiced interest in hosting a participant.

Goodwill staff, including two case managers, will help program participants develop work skills such as time management, team collaboration, problem solving, communication, work ethic, interview skills as well as tips for keeping a job.

This year, Goodwill staff will instruct youth in a workshop which will focus on work readiness skills, professional dress, employer relations, resume building and other strategies for being successful during employment.

Approximately half of the participants of the program are selected on need-based criteria. SYWEP has been in existence since 2002 and is made possible through a grant from the City of Phoenix.

Businesses and organizations wishing to host a SYWEP participant should contact Susan Laskorski, Program Coordinator for Goodwill of Central Arizona at (602) 335-1531 or e-mail Susan.Laskorski@goodwillaz.org.