Summer Program hosted by Goodwill San Diego and Bank of America
Goodwill San Diego is launching its 2023 Summer Youth Program to assist young adults, ages 16 to 25, who are ready to develop work and soft skills. The free program provides students with a Goodwill Career Advisor to help develop a custom employment plan, a résumé, preparation for interviews, and obtaining employment. In addition, students have the option to participate in Goodwill’s Job Readiness Program which includes Exceptional Customer Service, Workplace Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Bank of America’s Financial Literacy workshops. Students interested in participating or learning more about the program can make an appointment with a Career Advisor by visiting sdgoodwill.org or stopping by any of the five San Diego County Goodwill Community Employment Centers.
San Diego County’s current unemployment rate is 3.5 percent according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data includes people 16+ years of age who are not working but are able, available, and actively looking for work.
Goodwill San Diego started the Summer Youth Program in the summer of 2022 and was able to serve 131 young adults. This year, the program’s goal is to serve 150 young adults, an increase of 14.5 with at least 65% of the participants (-97 individuals) placed into jobs during the summer of 2023.
“Goodwill San Diego Career Advisors are well equipped and trained to provide our youth with the skills they need to gain valuable work experience,” said Fabia Parkinson, Vice President of Human Services. “Our Centers also provide free soft skill workshops including Résumé Builder, Ace the Interview, Workplace Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Bank of America’s Better Money Habits to prepare our youth for the workplace. Appointments are available in-person or online and in English or Spanish.”
Funding for the program was provided in part by Bank of America. In addition to the opportunity to work closely with a Goodwill Career Advisor and enroll in Goodwill’s Job Readiness Program, students can participate in Bank of America’s Better Money Habits workshops, taught by local Bank of America financial experts. The workshops help teach students how to budget, save, and manage their money. Once participants complete the coursework, they will earn a certificate of completion that signifies readiness for the workplace. Those who complete the full program will be encouraged to apply for available part-time positions at Goodwill San Diego and with other local employers. Career advisors will remain actively involved in assisting program participants in gaining important work experience.
“Bank of America San Diego partners with Goodwill and their Summer Youth Program to help local youth gain valuable workplace skills and real work experiences,” said Rick Bregman, President of Bank of America San Diego. “This is just one way that we help the community and youth on their path to economic mobility.”
Goodwill Industries of San Diego County
Goodwill San Diego is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit. It is a social enterprise that operates retail stores, outlet centers, and an eCommerce platform, shopgoodwill.com, to generate revenue for free employment programs and services for the San Diego community. Goodwill retail stores are known for providing quality used merchandise. This includes clothing, shoes, accessories, home décor, housewares, and furniture. Electronics and sporting goods are available at select locations.
Shopping is available online at https://www.shopgoodwill.com/SanDiego/
Visit https://sdgoodwill.org/#donate-today for other ways to give to Goodwill San Diego.
Please visit us at https://sdgoodwill.org/ to find a Community Employment Center, employment programs and services information, donation and retail store locations, and to learn more about our organization. Goodwill San Diego has been Making Good Happen since 1930.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the Unites States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.