New York – The Citi Foundation today announced that 15 community organizations have been selected as recipients of Youth Workforce Fund. The $3.75 million fund is supporting community organizations in key cities across the United States to help them expand their programming and connect low-income youth to a range of employment opportunities.
Each grantee will receive $250,000 in financial support to enhance their networks and capacity to plug youth into apprenticeships, internships and vocational training programs that are specific to local employment opportunities including healthcare, culinary arts and information technology. Each community organization will also have access to technical assistance and opportunities to share best practices. Collectively, this cohort of the Youth Workforce Fund is expected to reach 3,500 youth across the country.
The Youth Workforce Fund is part of the Citi Foundation's three year $100MM global Pathways to Progress initiative, which focuses on career readiness initiatives that provide youth job seekers the full range of services needed for long-term employment and economic success. According to the Citi Foundation's Global Youth Survey: Economic Prospects & Expectations, 78% of young people surveyed believe that internships and apprenticeships are critical for career success, however, 60% say there are not enough of these opportunities in their cities.
"Youth Workforce Fund grantees are helping to equip local youth with the skills and training necessary to fill employment needs in their communities," said Brandee McHale, president of the Citi Foundation. "By addressing the skills mismatch these organizations are opening new doors for young workers across America and introducing them to long-term, meaningful career opportunities in their local communities."
"We know that young people in our communities are hungry for work experience and opportunity," said Buffalo, NY Mayor Byron Brown. "With the support of Citi Foundation's Youth Workforce Fund, organizations like Say Yes to Buffalo are connecting local youth to quality internships and setting them on a path to financial independence."
"Citi Foundation's Youth Workforce Fund is focused on expanding the work of local organizations like Clara White Mission, an organization that is doing important work in matching Jacksonville youth with internships and apprenticeships specifically designed to address local environmental challenges," said Jacksonville, FL Mayor Lenny Curry.
"Setting up our future workforce for success through internships is crucial to the economic success of Sioux Falls, said Sioux Falls, SD Mayor Paul TenHaken. "Thanks to the support of Citi Foundation's Youth Workforce Fund, Southeast Technical Institute can connect more young talent with local businesses in need of quality talent."
"As one of Wilmington's oldest community organizations, West End Neighborhood House plays an important role in driving progress in our community," said Wilmington, DE Mayor Mike Purzycki. "With support from Citi Foundation, it will expand its work to help more young people find jobs and gain the necessary work experience to begin their careers."
The Youth Workforce Fund supports leading community organizations in 15 U.S. cities including Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Florence, KY; Jacksonville, FL; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Newark, NJ; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Sioux Falls, SD; Tampa, FL; Tucson, AZ; Washington, DC and Wilmington, DE.
The Citi Foundation is proud to partner with the following community organizations in 2018:
Visit the Youth Workforce Fund website to learn more.
Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.
Contacts
Elizabeth Kelly, 212.559.2477 elizabeth.kelly@citi.com