GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Applications are now available for the City’s GRow1000 Summer Youth Employment Program. Teens and young adults may apply for employment through April 25 to earn money while gaining and enhancing workplace skills.
This year, the City plans to hire over 100 young people aged 15 to 24. Participants earn $13 an hour – 20 hours a week. The week includes paid professional development workshops every Friday. This year’s workshops will focus on building social, financial and workplace capital.
“We have employed 1,150 young people in jobs since this program’s inception in 2020. I know firsthand how impactful youth employment opportunities are in helping one prepare for present and future success. Furthermore, this program also designed for our youth to discover who they are and who they want to be,” City Manager Dr. Mark Washington said.
Youth will work the six-week program from Monday, June 9 to Friday, July 18.
Jack D. worked last year at Public Thread learning about upcycling and the textile manufacturing industry. He said, "When choosing a future job, I will explore my career options to be more community-oriented because of GRow1000. My job site last summer prioritized community and I found it inspiring and fulfilling.”
GRow1000 participants must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be 15 and 24-years-old as of June 9, 2025
- Live in the city of Grand Rapids
- Be eligible to work in the U.S.
Bus passes will be available upon request.
In 2025, the City of Grand Rapids will continue to serve as the employer of record. Our Community’s Children – a public/private partnership between the City, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners – will manage the program day-to-day.
Businesses and organizations can take part in one of two ways:
- Provide paid job or internship experiences. The amount per youth placement is $1,600. Businesses can register HERE.
- Provide financial contributions to support placement of youth at local nonprofit organizations. Individuals are also welcome to donate. To donate, CLICK HERE. Youth applications and business registrations are due by Friday, April 25.
Support for business partners include:
- Employer orientation at Grand Rapids City Hall
- Job shadow opportunities prior to the first day of work
- GRowcases that provide meet and greet opportunities with youth employees
- Easy, two-step weekly timesheet submissions for both employees and employers
- Full-time program coordinator support and on-site visits by Our Community’s Children staff
- Electronic GRow1000 Employer feedback forms
