New York nonprofit Community Service Society is pushing a new proposal for a universal summer jobs program open to all New York City high school students, the New York Times says.

Under the proposal, any high school student in search of a job would be able to get one which is not the current case under the city’s programs.

“[P]lacement organizations would work with an entire school over the course of the year to develop job opportunities that relate to each student’s interests and academic experiences. Screening and other preparation could begin many months in advance, with outreach to encourage more companies to take on young workers,” said the Times.

The proposal suggests first starting with a pilot program in a portion of the city’s schools before raising the estimated $242 million needed to fund such a measure.

Consistent research has shown that summer jobs help high school students secure year-round benefits such as better school performance and a likelihood to be employed the following year (86 percent more likely, according to the article).

Studies have indicated that about 20 percent of high school students across the country have difficulties securing a summer job despite wanting one. Community Service Society says that existing programs intended to help high school students find employment have too many limitations such as uncertain or limited funding and restricting lottery systems. 

"Given the profound difference that meaningful, career-related summer jobs can make in the lives of the young, this proposal is well worth pursuing,” the Times said.

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Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

4/13/2016