EMPLOYERS AND SUPPORTERS

“I hope that you choose to continue to partner with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent as we work toward a successful GDYT program in 2024. Detroit needs strong leaders like you, and your commitment and service are examples of the best that our city has to give.”

Mike Duggan
Mayor, City of Detroit

Program Description

Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) is a city-wide summer job and training program that employs young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 for 120 hours. (generally 20 hours per week for 6 weeks). Youth participants are permanent residents of Detroit and have completed an application and registration process to become eligible along with work readiness training. With the help of Mayor Mike Duggan, as well as Detroit’s philanthropic and corporate leaders, our goal is to match 8,000 Detroit youth with meaningful employment and industry-led training opportunities.

How the Program Works

Youth Recruitment and Matching

Eligible youth are recruited through educational institutions, community organizations and the city’s workforce development system. Youth are matched to employers based on interest, skill level, and accessibility. Employers who attend a career fair are invited to interview and select candidates; otherwise, GDYT staff will manage the placement process.

Workplace Readiness

GDYT youth receive at least 12 hours of work readiness training prior to placement.

Youth Support

Participants receive an hourly wage between $12 to $15 per hour or a training stipend between $1,440 and $1,800. Youth are supported throughout the summer by a Worksite Monitor, who provides encouragement and advice to ensure a meaningful placement. Participants also receive bus passes to assist with transportation, to and from their site.

Employer Support

Every employer will be provided: 1) an Employer Orientation (live or virtual); 2) an Employer Tool Kit; and 3) a Worksite Monitor/Program Liaison. DESC serves as the employer of record and manages the youth payroll process.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to partner with GDYT:

• Become an Employer Partner by providing a job at your designated worksite and sponsoring a 6-week paid work experience (120 hours) for $2,000 per youth.
• Become a Funding Partner by making a financial contribution to the GDYT program to support summer work experiences for Detroit youth.
• Become a Nonprofit Partner by serving as a Program Provider or Lead Agency through Connect Detroit.
• Be recognized as an Affiliate Partner by directly hiring youth through an existing summer program that you operate.
• Volunteer to support key program components (i.e. career fairs, work-readiness training, etc.).
• Explore options to provide year round and/or permanent employment opportunities to Detroit youth.