Massport has contributed $31,000 to support summer job programs in Charlestown. The money is part of $450,000 in funds for summer employment for more than 300 students as part of Massport’s Community Summer Jobs Program.
The money will give 20 Charlestown students summer employment at places like the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club; Charlestown Community Center; JF Kennedy Center and the USS Constitution Museum.
“Massport truly understands the importance of creating summer jobs for teens and we are extremely grateful to them for their continued support of our Summer Employment Initiative,” said President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston Josh Kraft. “The teens employed through this generous grant will not only earn a paycheck, but also gain professional experience, build strong work ethic and access opportunities that will contribute to their future success in life.”
Massport’s summer jobs program is designed to assist civic and social service agencies by providing funds to support youth programs and summer employment. Massport’s Community Summer Jobs Program benefits communities where Massport facilities are located — Charlestown, Chelsea, East Boston, South Boston, Revere, Winthrop; the towns of Bedford, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln; and the City of Worcester. This year’s program will fund summer employment at 40 organizations with $450,000 that will provide 300 youth with jobs.
“Helping students from our impacted communities get ahead in life is one of the important things that Massport is able to do as good corporate neighbor,” said Massport CEO Thomas Glynn. “It has always been a priority to fund the summer jobs program, even during the toughest of times. Summer jobs give students a chance to learn the value of a job, network among peers, and earn income to assist with college and living expenses.”
Participating agencies are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring and supervising summer employees. Since the program started in 1991 more than 6000 summer jobs have been funded for local high school and college students allowing young people the opportunity to gain valuable job skills while serving their community.
In addition to Massport’s investment in the community summer jobs program, Massport will also contribute $50,000 to the City of Boston to support Mayor Thomas Menino’s summer youth employment efforts.