By Morf Morford
Tacoma Daily Index

It’s getting to be that time of year again. Once spring starts showing us a little more sun and green starts popping out all over, it’s also time to start thinking about summer – especially summer jobs or job preparation for high school students.

If there is anything this generation has in common, it is the unparalleled opportunities set before it. We, as adults, can help our young people make good choices, help them avoid the paralysis of too many choices and give them a taste of professional, adult-level work.

The City of Tacoma and many sponsors, advocates and supporters have all stepped up to help our young people take some initial steps into potential careers.

Tacoma has received a $20,000 grant from State Farm Insurance in support of this year’s Summer Jobs 253 program. The program connects Tacoma high school juniors and seniors with employers in the local area. Each qualified student is paid for up to 120 hours of work, while earning high school credits, gaining professional skills, increasing financial literacy, and participating in a variety of unique training opportunities.

From SummerJobs253.com: 

Starting in 2013 with just 50 students, Summer Jobs 253 has served a total of 753 students. 75 employers participated in the 2017 program year.  Employer sponsors are still being accepted for the 2018 program year.

If you are a potential employer – 

To support the program, participating employers are asked to make a $700 contribution. (Please contact the program for a waiver of this participation fee or multi-student discounts.)

Once you are started we will work with you to make your experience a success.

Help you start with your potential employee on the right foot by:

Completing a work site proposal form

Picking up your student’s biweekly time cards

More details are available here – http://summerjobs253.com/employers/.

To schedule a free Summer Jobs 253 consultation on how this program can help meet your business needs, contact the REACH Center at (253) 573-6590 or email summerjobs253@reachtacoma.org.

Students earn credits towards high school graduation and gain meaningful work experience to help get a jump start on the future. Students can sign up or find more details here – http://summerjobs253.com/students/.

For students – 

Applicant must be a Tacoma Public Schools incoming junior or senior in the 2017-18 school year.

Accepted students must be able to provide the following documents:

Social Security card

Picture identification such as driver’s license or school ID,

Resident Card – Green Card = I-94 (if applicable)

Disability documentation from doctor or school IEP (if applicable).

We will assist in ordering the documents if the student needs them.

A few more details – 

Students must attend mandatory unpaid five-day 20 hour orientation and training.

Students will be paid $11.15/hour.

Successful completion of the academic coursework qualifies you for a bonus.

Participate in surveys or other data-collection efforts for program evaluation.

Commit to participate in program, including fulfilling all scheduled workday hours.

ORCA bus passes will be provided, and summer vacation plans will be considered and need not disqualify an applicant from internships.