DETROIT – The summer jobs program, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT), is now accepting applications.
Since 2015, GDYT has provided approximately 80,000 young people in the city with summer jobs.
“Since the first year, tens of thousands of young Detroiters, including me, gained experience and confidence that allowed us to take our first steps on our career path,” said former GDYT participant Dre’Shawn Erwin.
Erwin emceed the program Thursday morning (Feb. 6), announcing the opening of the application portal.
“It has really become part of the fabric of this city, and our young people look forward to it,” Mayor Mike Duggan said.
This summer, 8,000 employment opportunities are available again for ages 14 to 24.
“In a number of these families, that teenager’s paycheck is buying groceries for the family that weekend. And that means a lot. One mom said, ‘My son is growing up. He put a tank of gas in the family car.’ That’s a big deal. That’s the kind of thing we are developing,” Duggan said.
Alycia Meriweather, the deputy superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District, praised the program.
“Grow Detroit’s Young Talent allows opportunity and access to industries, spaces, and people, which allows young people to expand their network, learn skills, and get feedback before they make choices,” Meriweather said.
GDYT helps young people set goals for their future.
“A program like this means so much to Detroiters. It is letting them know that we are investing in our youth. We are investing in the future. We’re providing a lot of opportunities to a pathway to careers and colleges,” said Detroit City Council Member Fred Durhal III, who represents District 7.
Applicants for the GDYT program must be residents of Detroit and eligible to work in the United States.