Youth summer employment program proposed to Flint City Council

Flint, MI—Teens ages 15-19 could potentially earn $11 an hour this summer through a new youth summer employment program if a proposal is approved by Flint City Council.

During a committee meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, council members voted 6-0 to forward the proposal to their next City Council meeting on Monday, April 22.

Flint City Council President Ladel Lewis, Flint City Council Vice President Candice Mushatt, and Councilmembers Leon El-Alamin, Quincy Murphy, Judy Priestley, and Eva Worthing voted to send the proposal to the council. Councilmembers Jerri Winfrey-Carter and Dennis Pfeiffer were not present. Councilwoman Tonya Burns is currently serving a 30-day suspension. 

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley is asking the council to approve $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the Clean & Safe Summer Program as a part of his “Safe Summer” Initiative.

One aspect of the Safe Summer initiative is ensuring youth stay out of trouble by introducing recreational and summer employment opportunities.

Director of Planning and Development Emily Doerr told council during Wednesday’s meeting that Neeley would like to choose the host organizations through a special committee. 

Doerr said Neeley would like to start the process next month if approved.

The resolution language states that each organization will be required to submit a two-page application, proof of nonprofit status, must be insured, have been in business for two years or more, and have qualified staff to be selected as a program host. 

The program is expected to run from June 17, 2024, to July 19, 2024, and will provide five-week jobs at $11 an hour. According to the resolution language, the jobs would be given through five to seven nonprofit organizations, each hosting 10 participants. The organization would be awarded up to $35,000 for administrative reporting and program costs. 

Eligible youth applicants must be between 15 and 19 years old, live in Flint, be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Limit, and have a hardship that is a direct result of COVID-19. Documentation for income verification is required. 

Federal Poverty guidelines, based on family size, are listed below:

• 1- $40,770
• 2- $54,930
• 3- $69,090
• 4- $83,250
• 5- $97,410
• 6- $111,570
• 7- $125,730
• 8+- $139,890

If approved, applications for the youth summer employment program will be distributed to schools and other youth facilities through the host organizations and the city of Flint’s social media websites and online portals.