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Mayor, United Way and employers pledge summer jobs for thousands of San Francisco youth
Summary
At a May 28 special order, the city and United Way launched the Summer Jobs Plus campaign and sought 7,000 paid youth positions; corporate pledges included JPMorgan Chase grant support and Starbucks committing to 100 year-round positions. The event reported 4,731 immediate pledges toward the 7,000 goal. (293 characters)
San Francisco’s effort to expand youth employment got a public boost on May 28 when the mayor, United Way and corporate partners convened a Summer Jobs Plus kickoff and urged employers to pledge paid positions and internships.
United Way COO Eric McDonald framed the work as “transformative opportunities for young people” and said the program provides more than simple summer work. Mayor Edwin Lee called for sustained employer engagement, framed the drive as a citywide responsibility and said the administration expected to reach the 7,000 paid-job goal.
Don Bosley of JPMorgan Chase announced a $200,000 grant to summer youth employment in San Francisco, part of a larger national workforce initiative; Starbucks’ market leadership team pledged to double its prior year commitment and provide 100 jobs this year. Elizabeth Kim, a young worker who started as a barista through the program, described how a Matchbridge hiring event led to a job and career-path opportunities.
Event organizers tallied pledges and reported roughly 4,731 commitments at the close of the event, leaving about 2,269 more jobs to meet the 7,000 target. Organizers and city staff emphasized year-round supports, employer coaching and nonprofit “doorways” to prepare young applicants for work.
Next steps: United Way, city departments and employer partners will continue outreach and pledge collection through summer, with follow-up celebration and reporting planned in September.
