Guest Commentator: Jim Dever, President, Bank of America Greater Philadelphia @BankofAmerica
What are some ways businesses can prepare young people for the jobs of the future?
Providing access to job training and opportunities is critical to advancing our country’s economic recovery and addressing the racial wealth gap. In Philadelphia, Bank of America is focused on building a stronger hiring pipeline that starts with our youth, regardless of economic background, gender, or race.
We can all remember our first jobs and introductions to the workforce and how that foundation helped set the trajectory of our careers. This is a key reason why I decided to personally support and help lead the effort as chair of the Summer Youth Employment Cabinet, a public-private partnership led by Philadelphia Youth Network, Philadelphia Works, Urban Affairs Coalition, and Bank of America, which focuses on raising the funds to provide employment to 8,000 young adults through the WorkReady summer jobs program.
Through the work of the Cabinet, we are cultivating opportunities to empower youth in lower- and moderate-income communities. Addressing issues that are fundamentally connected to racial equality and economic mobility — like access to workforce development, skills-building, and networking opportunities — can help shape the futures of both our region and our local youth. WorkReady provides a pathway for companies to hire directly from the communities we serve, connects residents with local career opportunities, and fosters a diverse pipeline of talent.
Over the past 15 years, Bank of America has invested $2 million through Philadelphia Youth Network to grow talent in our region. This year our financial support will provide approximately 90 internship opportunities. Our company has hosted young people in our financial centers, employees have provided financial education, and each year five Bank of America Student Leaders® intern with Philadelphia Youth Network. The evolution of our involvement demonstrates there is a way for any company or individual to get involved! I encourage everyone to commit to the future of Philadelphia by offering young people employment opportunities directly or by financially supporting WorkReady, to ensure the program can serve as many young people as possible.
Through Recharge & Recover PHL, the Chamber is working with our members to position Greater Philadelphia as the new national model to learn, apprentice, and work in the jobs of the future.
This objective is part of five aspirations of Recharge & Recover PHL with the aim to support not only Greater Philadelphia’s recovery but to also provide a means to differentiate our region for decades to come.
