SPONSORED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

A coalition of local nonprofit organizations led by One East Palo Alto, OICW, and El Concilio of San Mateo County has just launched the second annual summer jobs for youth program.  Our Sponsored Employment Program (SEP) is designed to help more than 100 East Palo Alto (EPA) youth and young adult (YYA) residents find the jobs they want -- and need -- to stay productive once school is out, learn valuable employment skills, and help support themselves and their families during the long summer ahead.  Its overall aim is to provide positive income earning alternatives for a population that is alarmingly vulnerable to crime and violence. 

Now in its second year, SEP targets individuals ages 14-24 with multiple challenges to obtaining and retaining employment.  It connects these YYAs who need jobs with local nonprofit organizations who need workers.  In addition to these jobs, SEP connects the young person with an adult mentor who can help provide an important positive adult relationship.  All the youth hired though SEP come from difficult circumstances at home or in school and just want to do their best to be productive this summer and stay out of trouble.  All will be placed in work environments with SEP Employer-Sponsors who will provide nurturing, but disciplined supervision of success-oriented on-the-job activities. Please see the attached description for more information about the program.  We have raised more than $265,000 to help establish this program and pay the stipends for these deserving young job applicants.  But we need additional support from generous individuals like you in order to support the placements for all of the qualified young people who are looking for gainful employment this summer.  Related Information

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