United Way and PA CareerLink Partner to Help Young Adults Gain Workplace Experience
The United Way of Berks County and the Young Adult Program at PA CareerLink® Berks County are partnering for a second year to provide employment opportunities for young adults starting in late-July through early-November. On the heels of the pandemic, our local community faces several economic challenges, and this partnership established a creative way to help young adults start their careers and gain workplace experience, and at the same time aid local community agencies.
The Berks Service Corps paid work experience is available to eligible young adults between the ages of 18-24. While most any paid work opportunity might be a “good opportunity” for young adults this summer (and fall), this program provides participants with enhanced learning and community
engagement through service learning, leadership and personal development, financial literacy and positive relationships with adult role models in the community. Funding being made available by the Berks County Workforce Development Board; the program seeks to enroll up to 50 participants with
placements at local community agencies. “Bringing together community agencies and this target population help fill an employment gap, while giving these young people experiences learning about their community. Those involved last year in this collaboration, including the participants and nonprofits, saw the positive experiences taking place in such an uncertain time. We look forward to building on those positive experiences to grow the program this year.” says Ashley Chambers, Senior VP of Community Impact at United Way of Berks County.
Several organizations participated last as host sites including Albright College, BCTV, Breast Cancer Support Services, Barrio Alegria, Helping Harvest, and Opportunity House. Placements with community based non-profit agencies will average between 25-30 hours per week at $11.00 an hour. Applications are being accepted now through the Young Adult Program at PA CareerLink® Berks County. To make a referral or learn more, please contact Tristin Prostovich at [email protected] or 610-988-1320. PA CareerLink® Berks County is an equal opportunity employer/program.
