(July 2024) Yonkers Public Schools last month kicked off the next step in its ongoing efforts to prepare students for the workforce with a special summer jobs event hosted at the Riverfront Library Community Room. 

The May event, designed for students ages 14-16, began with job interviews, providing students an opportunity to secure positions for the summer. To qualify, students must submit a resume, report card, a letter of recommendation from their school principal, and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. The program aims to equip students with essential job-readiness skills, career exploration, and actual employment opportunities. The initiative runs from July 8 to July 31, with daily programming at various elementary school sites.

“It is important to work during the summer because it will help me be more productive with my learning and my education and my job,” said Jordan McKinney, a 9th-grade student at Yonkers Middle High School.

Yonkers Public Schools, the lead organization for My Brother’s Keeper Yonkers, was recognized as an MBK Model Community by the Obama Foundation and has been lauded for its exceptional on-time graduation rate for young men of color, the highest in New York State. This MBK Model Community designation provides the district with additional resources to support the six critical milestones for student achievement, ranging from school readiness to post-graduate employment.

The summer Workforce Development program is closely tied to MBK’s fifth milestone: All Youth Out of School Are Employed. Dr. Jason Baez, the recently named Executive Director of MBK Yonkers, believes students gain practical experience and build a foundation for their future careers by participating in this program. 

“The program creates a safe space for students to come into school and really build their skill sets,” Dr. Baez said. “These kinds of experiences help students develop important interpersonal skills and bridge the gap between education and employment.” 

The success of this program is made possible through the collaborative efforts of My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper. The programs work together to provide valuable support and opportunities for the students of Yonkers Public Schools. 

Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. emphasized the importance of creating real opportunities that transition to the real world. 

“It is truly about wrapping our arms around our kids and supporting them," he said. “This event was a resounding success, setting the stage for a summer of growth and learning for the participating students.” 

With the continued support of Superintendent Soler and the dedicated staff at Yonkers Public Schools, the Workforce Development program promises to be a transformative experience for the youth of Yonkers.