Summer Jobs Initiative
Support ourSummer Jobs Initiative by providing an opportunity toengage our teens and alums in a professional setting at a critical time in their development.
Summer jobsare generally unavailable to teenagersdue to the current economic climate. Despite recent economic improvement, the majority of jobs teenagers were traditionally able to secure – at McDonalds, the ice cream parlor, the pharmacy -- are now occupied by adults. In addition, state and local funding allocated to create jobs for teens has been severely cut in recent years. [1]
Without “first jobs,” teenagers are not gaining the skills and experience necessary to be competitive when they enter the workforce as young adults.[2] Unemployment rates for young adults in Boston have been rising steadily for the last five years.[3] The City of Boston has framed this lack of opportunity for teenagers and young adults as a city-wide crisis tied directly to rising summer violence. [4]
Below please find a brief overview of the Initiative and howyou can support our teenagers:
Summer Jobs:Hire from the BGCB pool of enthusiasticmembers and alumni (ages 16-20). Our teens and young adults are well suited for a wide range of responsibilities, from entry level general office tasks to other roles requiring less supervision. Jobs can include data entry, scanning, running errands, set up and break down of conference rooms, and even landscaping. Opportunities to develop specialized skills in a hospital or lab environment are especially welcome. The Summer Jobs Initiative is the perfect opportunity to get your project off the back burner!
Positions ideally will start on July 1 and run for 6-8 weeks. Compensation should be $10/hour (or more) and members should work 20- 40 hours per week.*
Get Involved
Please email Dana Smith at by March 21stto participate in April Job Shadowing or by April 18th to host a member for Summer Jobs. Members will go through a club screening process and be available for interviews prior to placements.
We will work closely with you to craft an opportunity that will benefit your office and our members to ensure the experiences are rewarding and successful. Thank you for your time and consideration.
*See enclosure for additional information.
Summer Jobs Initiative – Frequently AskedQuestions
- Is employment eligibility to work in the U.S. vetted by BGCB prior to any assignments with local employers?
Yes
- Are criminal background checks performed by BGCB prior to any assignments with local employers?
Yes
- Are any special work permits required for teens under the age of 18?
Based on MA law, all staff between the ages of 14-17 must obtain a work permit before starting work. BGCB will support members through this process, but the prospective employer will need to provide a signature indicating intent to hire in order for the teen to obtain the permit.
- Are there any restrictions re: hours of work per day/week as well as guidance for meal/rest periods?
Members should receive all employee rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also based on MA law, all staff ages 14-15 can only work up to 18 hours a week during the school year, and up to 40 hours during the summer.
- How are teens assigned to employers? Is there an interview process?
Members are screened by BGCB staff for eligibility and potential for success. All selected members will be available to interview with their prospective employer.
- Does BGCB prepare the students for workplace dress/office etiquette, etc.?
Yes, BGCB prepares its members for the workplace.
- What needs to be prepared by the employer prior to a teen starting summer work?
(e.g. job description, including physical/mental requirements of the position, etc.)
A prepared job description we can share with potential applicants would be extremely helpful. BGCB will connect with you to discuss details, designate a workplace supervisor, and arrange an interview(s).
- Is there any “formal” evaluation of the teen which is fed back to BGCB at the end of the
assignment?
Yes, BGCB will send a brief survey soliciting employer feedback at the end of employment.
- Do the teens have previous job experience?
Some applicants may have previous experience, and for some this will be a first job.
- How much supervision will be required? (Presumably employers will want to provide minimal supervision).
The level of supervision required will be determined by the scope of the projects assigned.
- What are the available times and how many hours per day should be offered?
Teens will have flexibility to meet the time demands of the job and should work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- Are there transportation issues/limitations?
It would be appreciated if an employer covers the cost of public transportation for commuting, but it is not required. Members have been known to tolerate long commutes for the opportunity to work.
- Will BGCB maintain a person to serve as “liaison” during the term of employment for example, if there is a concern about performance?
Yes, the Operations team at the BGCB main office will remain closely involved. Specifically, Leah Reich ( or 617-994-4735) will be the staff contact.
- Are employers locked into hiring the teen for the entire period (again, if there are issues or concerns).
No, if a teen does not meet expectations, there is no obligation to continue.
- Are the teens restricted in terms of the hours or locations that they can work given their ages?
Teens are not restricted due to their ages, but it’ is possible some employers have set policies around the minimum age for employment.
- What are the deadlines to participate and who do I contact?
The deadline to participate in April Job Shadowing is Friday, March 21stand the deadline to apply to host a member for Summer Jobs is Friday, April 18th.Contact Dana Smith to apply: .
Additional questions?Please contact Dana Smith, Chair of the BGCB Board of Directors, or Leah Reich, Director of Program Development at .
[1] Megan Woolhouse, “Teen Employment Falls to 45-year Low,”
The Boston Globe, February 21 2013.
[2] Phillip Eliot, “Study says nearly 6M Young People Not in School or a Job,” The Boston Globe, October 22, 2013.
[3] Martine Powers, “Tough Times for Young Job Seekers in Massachusetts,” The Boston Globe, December 12, 2012.
[4] Travis Anderson, “Summer Jobs Add Up to Less Violence in Study,”
The Boston Globe, July 9, 2013.