“You’re hired.”
A number of leading U.S.-based companies have joined together to hire 100,000 teens who face barriers to jobs and education. The program is being called the “100,000 Opportunities Initiative” and has set a goal of making the new hires by 2018.
Companies involved in the program include Starbucks, Walmart, Target, JCPenney, Macy’s, JPMorgan Chase and Hilton, according to a joint statement.
The initiative will provide “opportunity youth” with access to apprenticeships, internships, and training programs, as well as part-time and full-time jobs.
The first “Opportunity Fair and Forum” will be held on Aug. 13 in Chicago and will be hosted by actor and hip hop recording artist Common.
The Chicago event will train over 2,000 young participants and at least 200 job offers will be made at the event. The initiative plans to hire around 1,000 young people in the Chicago area within the next 18 months.
New companies are expected to be added to the roster of more than 17 companies currently participating in the initiative.