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Thousands of Young Philadelphians Get Workplace Orientation With Summer Internships

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia  youth is getting work ready!

The Work Ready Philadelphia initiative links young people, ages 12 to 21, with paid summer internships.

Hundreds of interns attended orientation seminars this week at Thomas Jefferson University.   Among them was 18-year-old Jada Nichole Goodsen (at right below), who will be working at a bank.

"I start on Tuesday," she said.  "I'll be assisting tellers and I'll get to shadow a personal accountant."  She isn't aiming for a permanent job in the financial field, but adds, "I think being able to manage your money wisely is a great skill to have."

The Philadelphia Youth Network runs the program.  Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, the president and CEO (center of photo below), says the organization is always looking for partnerships.

 

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(Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, CEO of Philadelphia Youth Network, is flanked by 17-year-old Malik Whitaker, left, and 18-year-old Jada Nichole Goodsen. Photo by John McDevitt)

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"Today is a day you can help.  Seventeen-hundred dollars will help change the life of a young person.  It will provide the cost of an internship, and there is never a time that is too late to invest.  You can start now for next summer," she advises employers.

More than 6,000 eager youngsters will participate in the program this summer.  You can get more information at phillysummerjobs.org.

 

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