Summer job experience impactful for local youth

Jun 6

The Youth Opportunities Unlimited Summer Employment Program offers teens structure, vocational training and more!

At 14 years old, Yamileydis knows she wants to be a leader in her community. She lives on Cleveland’s near west side and attends Garrett Morgan High School, a place she considers to be “another home.” Her mother was born in Puerto Rico and speaks only Spanish.

“I grew up with a good family, including three older brothers. Boys are fun, so there’s always something going on and something to laugh or joke about,” Yamileydis said.

One of her brothers, Johndiel, who participated in the Catholic Charities Hispanic Service Office’s summer drug and alcohol prevention Program in 2020, showed her some artwork he and other teens created. Yamileydis’ brother earned a paycheck while being in the program through the Youth Opportunities Unlimited Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). His supervisor, Mayra Perez recalls how creative the participants were with very little direction needed.

“We call John our Master of Banners,” Perez said.

Yamileydis’ favorites classes include art, English, and history, but she hopes to explore many different subjects and career options through her involvement with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.).

“I definitely will help others in my community. I don’t yet know exactly what I want to do, maybe something environmental,” she said.

Yamileydis recommends Y.O.U.’s summer program for other teens who want to make friends, grow in leadership skills, and learn to interact with younger kids.

“I’m grateful for a good program that helps our community,” she added.

Y.O.U. partners with nearly 100 nonprofits in Cuyahoga County to provide quality summer work experiences for youth. The community partner provides the job, and Y.O.U. pays the youth wages benefiting the young person and the organization. To learn more about Y.O.U. and youth workforce development, visit youthopportunities.org.

Crain's Cleveland Story