UCD Expands 2007 Summer Jobs Program

UNIVERSITY CITY DISTRICT SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM TO EXPAND; ENCOURAGE CIVIC PRIDE
UCD to employ 21 young adults this summer to help clean and revitalize neighborhood


Philadelphia, PA - University City District (UCD) is proud to announce the continuation of its summer jobs program for 2007. In partnership with the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition’s Workready Philadelphia program and generous assistance from Townsend Capital and Advisory Board of The Urban Research Parks CDE, LLC, University City District has created 21 new jobs for incoming high school Juniors and Seniors who reside in University City and West Philadelphia.  UCD will provide these new employment opportunities with assistance from One Source (UCD’s public space maintenance contractor), who will assist UCD’s ongoing revitalization efforts through cleaning lots, weed and litter removal, street cleaning, public park cleanings, flower planting and tree watering, and special community projects.

The program is intended to provide constructive activities for young people in West Philadelphia and to act as an antidote to some of the problems plaguing the community.  “UCD is pleased to expand our summer jobs program and provide opportunities for 21 high school students this year.  Our experience last year was so positive that we wanted to build upon it and do more to be part of the solution,” added Lewis Wendell, UCD’s Executive Director.

In addition to creating gainful employment opportunities, the summer job program will give young adults a sense of pride in their neighborhood while improving the overall quality of life for all who work, live and recreate in University City.  The UCD Summer Jobs Program will be an eight week program - 25 hours/week, 5 days/week - from July 2nd to August 24th, 2007.  In order to be eligible for the program applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school, a resident of University City or West Philadelphia, eligible to work in the U.S., in good academic standing and from a household that meets income guidelines.  There will also be a mentorship and educational component to the program including the preparation of an employer-approved work-readiness portfolio.

Please refer any questions about the program to the Workready Hotline at 267-502-3742 or UCD at 215-243-0555.

2006 summer jobs program photos are available by contacting Mark Christman at mark@ucityphila.org or by calling 215-243-0555 x229.