The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase are each contributing at least $100,000 to support Baltimore City’s summer jobs program 

Today, Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young gave thanks to top donors from the business and philanthropic communities for their financial support of YouthWorks, Baltimore City’s nationally recognized summer jobs program. 

“For the fifth consecutive summer, more than 8,000 Baltimore City young people, ages 14-21, will be offered a summer job, making YouthWorks one of our most successful public-private partnerships,” Mayor Young said. “This tremendously vital initiative could not be this effective if it weren’t for contributions like the ones we are recognizing today from The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. Each of these organizations understands how important a strong summer jobs program is to the City of Baltimore in both the short-term and long-term – we are training the future workforce and providing productive opportunities for our younger residents.”  

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s $500,000 contribution will employ 321 youth in five-week summer jobs. JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America is each contributing $100,000, which will employ a total of 126.

“Bank of America is committed to helping communities thrive,” said Bank of America’s Greater Maryland Market President Sabina Kelly. “We’re proud to partner with programs, like YouthWorks, that not only set Baltimore’s future leaders on a path to success, but also foster economic mobility and social progress.”

“JPMorgan Chase is proud to support Baltimore’s YouthWorks program to help improve access to good jobs and connect youth to career pathways,” said JPMorgan Chase Vice President Nicole Elam. “By supporting youth programs in 22 cities around the country, we’ve learned that when you give young people summer job opportunities, you give them a chance to lay the groundwork for a bright future and set them on a path to greater economic mobility.”

These funds are used to pay the wages for the young workers who are employed at a wide variety of worksites throughout the region. Fred Banks, program director for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, has partnered with YouthWorks for years to help operate a successful summer worksite at state parks.

"It's been such great opportunity to work with youth from Baltimore through our Conservation Jobs Corps Program (CJC),” Banks said. “The work they accomplish and their energy inspire so many. Without the support of YouthWorks, our program would not be possible. For the past 10 years, partnering with YouthWorks and receiving their support has provided thousands of Baltimore's youth opportunities to experience job and life skills that serve them for they rest of their lives."

YouthWorks 2019 will operate one five-week session from July 1 through August 2. Participants typically work five-hour days for minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, but employers who provide the salaries may offer increased hours and wages. 

Corporate sponsors, philanthropic organizations and individuals can support YouthWorks year-round by making a tax-deductible donation. It costs $1,600 to fund one youth in a summer job, but contributions of any amount are appreciated. Online donations can be made at baltimorecityfoundation.org.