On Monday, April 19, Mayor Michael B. Hancock shared an open letter with Denver area employers inviting them to participate in the City’s summer Youth Employment Program. The text of the letter is transcribed below, and an image of the letter can be found at the bottom of this page.
April 19, 2021
Dear Denver Employers:
Remember that internship that inspired you to get up early and eagerly to meet the day head on? Or that summer job that dared you to think you could achieve great heights? For me, as the youngest of ten siblings growing up in northeast Denver, I remember my internship with Mayor Federico Pena. I was provided the chance to learn, grow, fail and grow some more.
I have carried those lessons I learned during that internship with me throughout my entire life. I strongly believe that all of Denver’s youth deserve the same opportunity. I am asking you, Denver’s local business and nonprofit community, to help our youth prepare to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy. Early exposure to interesting, inspiring career paths can do so much to encourage young people to focus on school, set goals and feel more optimistic about their futures.
The value of a paid summer job is priceless, but it is also a meaningful investment in our community’s future. I hope you will act today and offer to be a summer employer with Denver’s Youth Employment Program in partnership with Denver Public Schools. We will soon be actively accepting applications for young people ages 14-24 to be placed in jobs with local businesses and nonprofits.
We recruit income-qualified youth who are carefully matched with positions paying $14.77 for up to 120 hours. This year we are seeking a range of experience options in the ever-changing pandemic environment, including both in-person and virtual settings. Denver Workforce Services is focused on making this program as fulfilling and productive as possible for all concerned, with pre-employment training that includes life skills, career exploration, financial literacy and job readiness.
Denver pays the wage, and you provide the wisdom, mentoring and experience. With ongoing support for each youth and your risk minimized through our process, your willingness to be a summer employer can change the life of a local young person.
To pre-register as an employer, visit http://bit.ly/DYEP2021Employers. To learn more about the program, please email dyep@dpsk12.org or call 720-423-2569.
I know you share my commitment to Denver’s young people, and I hope you will work with us to build up the confidence, skills and futures of our promising youth.
Respectfully,
Michael B. Hancock
Mayor
