SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Once again this summer, local nonprofit organizations CareerSource Suncoast and Goodwill Manasota are collaborating to provide a vital work experience for teens and young adults. Through this partnership – part of CareerSource Suncoast's Youth Summer Employment Program – 23 youths are working 30 hours weekly in five Goodwill stores throughout the month of June.

The CareerSource Suncoast Youth Summer Employment Program is a unique opportunity for local employers to invest in the future workforce. This summer program is designed to connect local employers with motivated students aged 14-19, providing them with valuable employment skills training. By participating, employers not only contribute to the community, but also benefit from the participants' job performance, making it a win-win situation for all. 

Through the program, participants are developing their job skills, learning how to craft an effective resume, and sharpening their job interviewing techniques. Program participants are making $15 an hour, with on-site training and supervision provided by Goodwill and wages subsidized by CareerSource Suncoast. The five locations where they are working include one retail store in Sarasota County and four in Manatee County.

"As a leader in workforce development, we feel it's never too early to get young people actively involved in their own professional journey," said Margie Genter, VP of Mission Services for Goodwill. "The CareerSource Suncoast Youth Summer Employment program provides participants with real-life work experience and training that will serve as a foundation for future job opportunities as well as workers whose contributions will support our own Mission Services. It's a win-win for all involved!"

CareerSource Suncoast would like to thank the Florida Lottery and Suncoast Credit Union for supporting the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program. For more about CareerSource Suncoast, visit careersourcesuncoast.com. 

For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.