In Jacksonville, two out of three children born to a family living in the lowest 20 percent of the economic spectrum, will spend their lives at that level, or insignificantly better. Research shows that youth employment and the obtainment of post-secondary credentials can make a significant difference in an individual’s economic mobility. In fact, when we look at the top 100 occupations in Jacksonville, 75 percent require at least a high school diploma and 57 percent require more than a high school diploma.

Thus, the majority of occupations in Jacksonville require that individuals complete additional education after graduating high school in order to obtain a job.

As a member of the Mayor’s Youth at Work Partnership, United Way helps change the employment and career odds for youth, ages 16-21, by providing job readiness training, financial literacy training, and hands-on experiences through paid summer internships. Interested youth can apply for summer internships until March 31, 2019 at http://www.coj.net/departments/mayors-youth-at-work-partnership.

Contact Elizabeth Lufrano at 904-390-3225 for more information.