Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP), an economic development non-profit focusing on attracting and supporting business and upskilling the current workforce while also preparing the workforce of the future, has rolled out a retooled summer youth workforce development program that aims to increase career readiness for nineteen area youth from public and private schools across Geauga County.
Since 2013, GGP has made significant investments in local youth by connecting them to Geauga County businesses through a host of annual programs focused on college and career readiness. As a pillar of the GGP mission, students, and their families, as well as teachers, counselors, and administrators, all can work with GGP to build greater awareness of future career opportunities, explore their interests and industries, develop vital skills that lead to greater chances of employability, and to give them the experience necessary to build and enhance their career trajectory and overall success in life. What started as the GGP Summer Internship program has evolved into a year-round commitment to building a more resilient and prepared workforce of and for the future.
The GGP Summer Youth Workforce Incubator Program was envisioned as a learning laboratory for career development. Open to students ages 16 and above, the Summer Incubator program matches these youth with businesses based on their personal interests and aptitudes, sets them up with a work-site mentor, and has them complete a minimum of 120 hours of paid work experience. Additionally, every youth will have the opportunity to engage in 24 hours of professional development that covers a gamut of topics including career planning, communication, conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, financial literacy, developing a growth mindset, and more. As part of the program, students will also connect directly to Ohio’s newly revised graduation requirements, establishing career readiness through a validation of skills and earning of the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal. Each youth participant will present on their experience as part of a culminating celebration, walk away with letters of recommendation acknowledging their accomplishments through the program, and be welcomed into a growing network of professionals.
New to this year’s program is the Youth Workforce Scholarship, two $500 scholarships that the youth cohort will be eligible to receive as part of an essay contest. The scholarship opportunity has been graciously provided by two Geauga Growth Partnership member organizations, Ten10 Design, LLC, a product marketing and design agency out of Chardon, and POV Solution, a commercial printing business based in Chagrin Falls. Student winners will be features at GGP’s annual HomeGrown fundraiser in August, as well as in upcoming issues of the Geauga Business Magazine.
GGP would like to thank the 2022 host businesses: Advanced IT Professionals LLC, ASM International, Burton Healthcare, Company 119, Geauga County Auditor’s Office, His Daughter, Mercury Plastics LLC, Montville Plastics & Rubber, Metzenbaum Sheltered Industries, Inc., Ohman Family Living, Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center, RE/MAX Rising, Solon Manufacturing Company, Troy Chemical Industries, Inc, and University Hospitals Medical Center.
Finally, the Youth Program would not the same without our sponsors: Duramax Marine, Solon Manufacturing Company, and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.
For more information on the Geauga Growth Partnership Youth Workforce Summer Incubator program, go to the organization’s website at https://www.geaugagrowthpartnership.com/student-readiness/summer-internships/ or contact bcovington@geaugagrowth.com.
GGP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created in 2010, which works to advance the Geauga business community, retain and grow jobs, contribute to business growth and strengthen the local economy. Geauga Growth Partnership’s mission is to enhance the economic climate in Geauga County by attracting new business, supporting existing businesses, and preparing the workforce of the future. For more information visit www.geaugagrowthpartnership.com, contact info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.
