Students from Miami Edison Senior High selected to participate in Pathways to Progress
By Jimmie Davis, Jr.
Students attending Miami Edison Senior High don’t have to fret any longer over obtaining summer employment because twenty five of them have already been selected as the recipients of a prestigious grant from the Citi Foundation, which allows them to participate in the highly distinguished Pathways to Progress summer youth employment program.
Students are scrambling trying to obtain summer employment because they need a reliable source of income to purchase their school uniforms, sup-plies and help their parents out by purchasing groceries.
“Through Pathways to Progress we will connect young people with opportunities to fuel their own career ambitions,” said Citi CEO, Michael Corbat in an email. “Our program will teach them to develop the skills that are needed in a 21st century economy.”
Pathways to Progress is a three-year $50 million commitment from Citi Foundation to give 100,000 low-income youth in the United States the opportunity to develop the work-place skills and leadership experience they must acquire to have a competitive advantage.
Miami-Dade’s share of the pot is $300,000 and that’s because all together 100 Miami-Dade County High School students will be the recipients of the grant. The money and summer positions will be divided up among Edison, Booker T. Washington, Miami Jackson and Miami Northwestern.
William Porro, Special Projects Administrator for the City of Miami says the students will be working throughout the city in various capacities such as customer service, clerical, computers and outdoor field activities.
“Our intent is to match the students up with the occupations they signed up for,” Porro said. “We want to provide real jobs for the students.”
Students will be paid an hourly wage of $7.93 and will work approximately 35 hours per week.
This is the largest single commitment ever made by the Citi Foundation, the philanthropy branch of Citi Group.
James Dominique, Vice Principle of Edison says the hiring process was on a first come first serve basis.
“The schools as well as the students are fortunate to have this program,” Dominique said. “These students are truly in need. I’m sure this experience will open up their eyes.”
The program is focusing on 10 of the largest U.S. cities where Citi has a presence: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, St. Louis, San Francisco, Washington DC and of course Miami.
The Citi Foundation will be working with community partners, government officials, and Citi volunteers to help students develop workplace skills and leadership experience they are going to need to secure gainful employment.
Tomas Regalado, City of Miami Mayor, says this is a fantastic opportunity for the students because it will teach them basic principals such opening up a bank account, how to manage their money, professional development and having a good work ethic.
“The program will create a solid group of men and women that will lead them into the workforce,” Regalado said. “It’s an honor for Miami to have this program. We are creating a pathway for 100 families.”
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