"It's a win-win scenario," Lynn Heemstra, Executive Director
Our Community's Children (OCC) enthusiastically proclaims when asked out the $350,000 grant provided to the organization from U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
Heemstra explains that with the grant dollars, OCC will be coordinating the
Leadership and Employment, Achievement and Direction (LEAD) program, a "really cool initiative" that offers relevant work experience for 90 Grand Rapids city residents, ages 15-21, by partnering with a broad spectrum of businesses throughout the city.
These businesses, part of the
Mayor's 50 program, will provide employment mentorship and a learning experience. The LEAD program then focuses on an educational experience by learning about neighborhood economies, entrepreneurship and leadership. The program also complements the cities two-year youth master plan, which is focused on preparing a more skilled and creative workforce.
Heemstra strongly encourages city-based businesses to apply for the Mayor's 50 program, saying, "This is a wonderful opportunity to invest in the next generation of workers by offering a positive work experience."
For information on the Mayor's 50 program, visit their website
here. To learn more about the LEAD program and for application instruction, you can visit the site
here. Source: Lynn Heemstra, Our Community's Children
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor
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