Gift to support Y-Achievers program that provides teens with mentoring, skills building and workplace exposure
Knoxville, 2010 – Randstad US, a leading workforce solutions provider, has awarded the YMCA of East Tennessee a grant for $3,000 to provide teens with career mentoring and workforce skills development. The gift will be used to enhance the Y-Achievers, an academic achievement and college readiness program designed to help teens set and pursue high educational and career goals.
Y-Achievers is one of many youth development programs offered by Ys across the country to provide young people with opportunities for academic enrichment, college access support, adult mentors and leadership skills. The YMCA of East Tennessee is one of 25 Ys to receive $3,000 grants to enhance such programming.
“This generous gift from Randstad will support our ongoing efforts to provide more young people with the skills and knowledge they need for life-long success,” said J. Stephen Jeter, Teen Development Coordinator. “We look forward to working together to bring the vital work we do with youth and teens to the forefront of our community.”
In addition to the gift, the YMCA of East Tennessee and local Randstad branch at 150 Lovell Road, Knoxville, TN will work together to provide career-related mentoring and related services that meet the specific needs of teens in the Knoxville community. Plans include: Hosting two world-of-work tours and two work force seminars.
“As part of Randstad’s mission to develop a strong future workforce, our partnership with the Y is an ideal match,” said Jim Link, Managing Director, Human Resources, of Randstad US. “By connecting local Randstad branches, which have the workplace tools and expertise, with Ys, which have deep community connections and a commitment to youth development, we are able to create community-specific work-readiness support.” Critical to the success of the collaboration is the volunteerism of Y and Randstad employees, as well as partnerships with local companies that introduce teens to their businesses during “World of Work” tours, a component of the program. Randstad will connect with clients and build on the Y’s existing partnerships with local businesses to enable more companies to get involved. A variety of workforce development seminars on topics such as resume writing, interview techniques and networking skills will also be provided.
“Partnering with a leading social service organization like the Y that is dedicated to helping people realize their fullest potential is another way we encourage good ‘employership’ in local communities,” Link said.
