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About SummerWorks
A community-focused public-private-university partnership
Mission Statement
Our mission is to build relationships between youth, local employers, and the broader Washtenaw County community; in order to promote equity through youth empowerment, professional growth, and workforce development.
Vision Statement
The SummerWorks vision is that young adults in Washtenaw County, regardless of social identities or economic situations, have access to a supportive environment when entering the workforce. We envision a community where all young adults are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks to set them on a career path towards financial and professional success.
What We Do
SummerWorks is a summer youth employment program designed to strengthen the community and develop talent by leveraging local resources and networks to provide career opportunities and mentorship to young adults. We pair local employers with young adults ages 16-24 for a 10-week summer employment and mentorship program. We connect youth to resources for building professional networks, exploring career opportunities, and developing essential job and leadership skills.
Who We Are
SummerWorks is a public-private collaboration that believes in the power of utilizing the strengths and assets of the individuals and organizations in the Washtenaw County region. Together, we guide young adults from all backgrounds towards pursuing their passions and inspire employers and mentors who want to give back to the community.
This program would not be possible without the generosity of our many foundational partners and allies, including local employers. For a full list, visit our employers page.
Summary
SummerWorks is the Washtenaw County Summer Youth Employment Program, a 10-week summer employment and mentorship program that pairs local employers with young adults aged 16-24. It connects youth to resources for building professional networks, exploring career opportunities, and developing essential job and leadership skills. We have a new name and a new look, but are still dedicated to providing the experience that hundreds of local young adults have received over the past few years. This year, we hope to continue growing to allow more young adults to explore more potential career paths than ever before.
The program launched in 2016 as a partnership between MichiganWorks! Southeast and Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development. In 2017, the University of Michigan joined the partnership to provide employment opportunities across the University of Michigan campus. Our partnership continues to expand to include the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Washtenaw Alliance for Children and Youth, the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, and more.
We believe that youth employment promotes positive social relationships between youth, local employers, and the community and it prepares young people for the high-demand jobs within our community.
Program Partners
Mission of the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions: Poverty Solutions is a university-wide presidential initiative at the University of Michigan that partners with communities and policymakers to find new ways to prevent and alleviate poverty through action-based research. Learn more here.
Mission of MichiganWorks! Southeast: Michigan Works! Southeast seeks to understand and advocate for the needs of the Southeast Michigan region. Connecting individuals and organizations with helpful resources. Creating hope for a better future by providing examples of what is possible. Learn more here.
Mission of the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED): Washtenaw County is stronger when all people are able to fully participate in our community and economy. To that end, the Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) is committed to stepping out of traditional government roles to drive long-term system changes that increase equity and opportunity. Informed by data and resident voices, we deliver services, invest resources, shape public policy, lead initiatives, and amplify the impact of community partners to that end. Learn more here.
Mission of Michigan Rehabilitation Services: Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) provides specialized employment and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed or retaining employment. In addition, MRS partners and collaborates with the State Department of Education, local school systems, Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI), community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities to develop statewide school-to-work, postsecondary, and adult life programs to help students with disabilities succeed in secondary and postsecondary education and transition to employment. Learn more here.