John Hancock will provide $1 million for summer jobs for Boston teens
The MLK Summer Scholars program will employ more than 620 Boston teens this summer.
John Hancock announced it will provide more than $1 million to employ Boston teens at non-profit organizations across the city this summer.
This year, Hancock increased the MLK Summer Scholars grants to $1,750 per student because of the increase in minimum wage, Thomas Cohan, assistant vice president and counsel for government relations and corporate responsiblity at the company, told Boston.com. In the past two years, the amount of money awarded per student has increased by $250, he said.
More than 620 Boston students will work a paid summer job at 67 non-profit organizations throughout the city. The program, in its ninth year, has funded more than 5,000 jobs since its inception.
“The goal of this program is to help Boston teens gain meaningful work experience, and develop the skills they need to be college and career ready,’’ said Crohan. “We also hope the Scholars gain a deeper appreciation of Dr. King’s inspiring legacy and feel empowered to become active, engaged citizens in our communities.’’
Organizations where students will work include the Boston Ballet, the Museum of African American History, YouthBuild Boston, and the Boston Debate League. Teens will apply for jobs directly with the organization they are interested in working for, said Cohan. A complete list of the organizations will be posted on the company’s website, he said.
Teens between the age of 15 and 19 who are full-time residents of the city of Boston can apply for the positions. The jobs run from July 5 to August 19. Teens are also required, as part of the program, to attend bi-weekly personal development workshops.
John Hancock runs the program in partnership with the city, The Boston Globe, Boston University, and Partners HealthCare. The program also receives support from The Ad Club of Boston.
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