Mercury Plastics will join Cleveland Foundation, Fairmount Santrol Foundation and The Catherine L. & Edward A. Lozick Foundation to support Geauga Growth Partnership’s (GGP) Youth Workforce Development programs. Mercury Plastics leads the industry in providing innovative thermoplastic solutions to a variety of markets including; appliance, automotive, construction, electrical, faucet, liquid dispensing, marine, medical, offshore oil and plumbing.
The Mercury Plastics grant is part of Masco’s Million Differences campaign, an initiative in which Masco Corporation, through its business units, is allocating $1,000,000 of its philanthropic funding in 2019 to support organizations across the country that are working to break down barriers to diversity and inclusion in America’s corporate workforce through education or career resources.
“Mercury Plastics values the benefits of rising talent with different perspectives and experiences. Ensuring that we continually seek and attract diversity in our team is an overall goal within our recruitment strategy. We look forward to working with GGP and their youth development programs as we strive to enhance our culture as an attractive employer in NE Ohio. “
“We are grateful for the support we are receiving from Mercury Plastics. Their sponsorship is opening new doors and new possibilities for kids allowing GGP to provide opportunities to connect Geauga County’s youth to the real employment opportunities right in their own backyard.
Mercury Plastics is helping to bridge a critical gap in Geauga County,” said Kimm Leininger, President, Geauga Growth Partnership. GGP’s Youth Workforce Development program was created with the mission to “Prepare Tomorrow’s Workforce Today”, and is comprised of the following:
Ignite Your Career: Pathways to Success for students (grades 7-12) with parents
- Students participate in an evening symposium/job fair with their parents where they are introduced to career pathways by guest professionals and interact one-on-one with employers.
Eighth Grade Career Awareness Events
- Students attend day-long field trips touring a minimum of three businesses, interacting with workers and learning about job training and skill requirements for various jobs.
Sophomore Career Readiness: Day-long interactive workshops
- Students explore career pathways, learn workplace expectations, and gain soft skills from seasoned professionals.
Junior Career Readiness Training: Day-long interactive workshops
- Students create resumes, participate in mock interviews and gain insights into workplace expectations from guest speakers and a panel of Geauga employers.
Senior Career Readiness Training: Day-long interactive workshops
- Students participate in personality assessments and soft skills training, explore career choices, and learn about the educational and funding options that can lead to future careers.
High School Internship Program for high school junior and senior students
- Students apply for paid summer internships with partnering companies. Students who are successfully placed complete learning workshops hosted by GGP, as well as a paid summer internship experience. This experience broadens their knowledge of business operations and helps them develop an understanding of various industries.
In 2018 alone, more than 1,400 Geauga County students participated in GGP’s Youth Workforce training programs. On average, 90% of these students report feeling more prepared to enter the workforce and 40% of businesses employing interns continue that employment relationship beyond the internship period. The Internship Program’s annual economic impact on Geauga is $80,000.
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 business climate, encourage job creation, to strengthen economic prosperity and to improve the quality of life for all Geauga County residents. For more information visit Geauga Growth Partnership, contact info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.
