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The future competitiveness of urban centres around the world hinges on the positive economic outcomes of young people. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping today's youth place themselves on a path to economic success, the Citi Foundation is focused on providing youth with the career readiness tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy. We call this approach Pathways to Progress.
As part of our Pathways to Progress approach, the Citi Foundation commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit to conduct a global research effort that offers an in-depth look at how 35 cities support young people’s economic ambitions. In November 2015, we released Accelerating Pathways, research aimed at filling a gap in the understanding of city-level factors that affect how young people realize their economic potential.
Citi Canada and Youth Employment Services Forge New Pathways to Progress for Youth
In 2016, the Accelerating Pathways survey and study, sponsored by Citi Foundation, found Toronto, Canada to be the top city in overall youth economic opportunity and outlook out of the 35 surveyed. After hosting a roundtable with over 30 community leader and researchers, youth unemployment was identified as a critical area of need and Citi Canada committed to investing in organizations that tackled the issue.
This is where our journey with community partner Youth Employment Services (YES) began. YES was founded nearly 50 years ago and is Canada’s leading employment champion for youth, dedicated to innovative programs that empower disadvantaged and vulnerable youth to become self-sufficient contributing members of society.
In 2015, the Citi Foundation provided YES with a new grant for their Youth Employment Champion program which aimed to support 440 youth with pre-employability, life skills and financial literacy training and mentorship and entrepreneurship services to assist youth into meaningful employment – either through gaining employment or launching their own business. From the moment Citi and the Citi Foundation began working with YES pathways to progress were being mapped.
As a member of Citi Canada’s Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC), Jamie O’Reilly, Director of Client Solutions Group became interested in working with YES and was invited to become a member of their Board of Directors. Jamie’s role on the Board of Directors contributes directly to the overall governance of YES’s organization and operations. YES’s vision is Changing Lives…Forever.
“YES plays a critical role in helping young people establish this foundation for lifelong success.”
In spring of 2016, Citi introduced the Citi Skills Marathon to Canada and invited eight community partners to participate in the done-in-a-day problem solving sessions. YES applied to participate in the Toronto event seeking advice on implementing a new intranet site. The Citi Canada Public Affairs team, Troy Underhill, Director of Public Affairs, Shawna Van Esch, Vice President of Communications and Jeanette Emery, Community Development, worked with YES to design an information framework and a communications model for the intranet site to help to keep their employees up-to-date and connected across their five locations.
To date, more than 20 Citi Volunteers have given their time and talent to YES.
In August 2016, four members of the Citi’s Human Resources team hosted a workshop on interview skills and resume critiquing. Based on this experience, Christine Di Scola, Citi Canada’s head of Human Resources, introduced one of the youth to Tim Hortons who was hired shortly afterwards. From this one hire, YES has now partnered with Tim Hortons to provide employment to an additional 25 youth – an outstanding outcome from one introduction.
“As a Mom of two young adults, I felt very connected to the youth I met with while volunteering at YES,” said Christine. “I saw the struggles in trying to find jobs in today’s difficult employment environment, yet I also saw energy, passion and potential! I was struck by the determination they demonstrated to improve the conditions of their circumstances, and I felt compelled to help in any way I can. All they needed was an opportunity, a connection, a reference, and I was very happy to provide it. To know that I helped just one young person land on their feet and have a fresh new start, was the most uplifting feeling. I know I will volunteer at YES again - it was inspiring time well spent.”
In just one year, YES, Citi Canada and the Citi Foundation have enabled a great deal of progress in the local community. In addition to those hired by Tim Hortons, to date 273 youth have participated in the Youth Employment Champion Initiative.
66% of youth have gone on to secure a job and 82% of participants in the entrepreneur programs have gone on to launch their own business.
Citi Canada is proud to partner with such a reputable and impactful organization, and looks forward to creating new #PathwaystoProgress together in 2017.