FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 24, 2014

MEDIA CONTACTS
Carmen White, Office of the Mayor, carmen.white@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 594-7848

Tacoma Summer Youth Employment Program Initiated by Mayor
Receives Grant From U.S. Conference of Mayors

SummerJobs253, the youth summer employment program initiated by Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, has been awarded a $4,000 U.S. Conference of Mayors 2014 DollarWise Youth Campaign grant.

"I am delighted that Tacoma has been recognized for its efforts to create a well-rounded summer employment program that helps prepare local youth for the responsibilities of adulthood," said Strickland. "I look forward to expanding the program this summer and giving more of Tacoma’s youth a chance to participate."

Established as a pilot program in June 2013, SummerJobs253 enrolled 50 students attending public high schools in Tacoma. The students worked a total of 160 paid hours each, with the opportunity to earn academic credit. They also participated in the National Endowment for Financial Education High School Financial Planning program. The program – spearheaded by Columbia Bank – included lessons on money management, borrowing, investing and other relevant topics. 

Recruitment for SummerJobs253 2014 will begin in the spring. For more information on how to participate as a financial donor or host employer, please contact Chris Wright at (253) 591-5075. For more information about the DollarWise Youth Campaign Grant, please visit BeDollarWise.org.