The document proposes a youth employment program called "Help Wanted" for Saint Louis. It would address the problem that teens have difficulty finding jobs without connections. The program would recruit high schoolers, provide job training, and place students in summer jobs. This would benefit students by reducing dropout rates and crime while giving businesses motivated workers. It discusses doing similar programs have succeeded elsewhere and how businesses would benefit. Costs are listed and it proposes being financially sustainable over 5 years by charging small fees to businesses and pursuing donations. The main competitor is an existing organization but this program aims to directly partner with schools to be more accessible.

1. LEVELING
THE
PLAYING
FIELD OF
YOUTH
EMPLOY-
MENT

2.  In Saint Louis, it is extremely difficult for teenagers to find
employment without connections, important
resources, and the right motivation
 Also, employers are less likely to take a chance on
younger employees, even though they have
the potential to be an asset to businesses
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

3. Consider the
many benefits
of youth
employment…
WHY DO WE CARE
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Working a job over the summer months student vastly
diminishes the chances of dropping out of school, using
drugs, or committing crime.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Businesses gain talented, motivated workers by hiring
younger employees.
LASTING IMPACT
Employment provides teenagers with self confidence, real
world experience, and valuable connections, preparing
them for a bright future.

4. Help Wanted provides
high school teenagers
with the opportunity to
work a summer job in
the Saint Louis Area.
WHAT DO WE DO?

5. Our program consists of three essential phases:
HOW DO WE DO IT?
Recruit Teach Empower

6. Help Wanted will go to Saint Louis City High schools and raise
awareness of the program through speeches, posters, faculty,
and information sessions.
We will then encourage 11th and 12th graders interested in the
program to apply who meet a GPA requirement and secure
teacher recommendations.
Finally, we select the best 10 applicants from each school
to participate in the program.
RECRUIT
Recruit Teach Empower

7. Students will attend a
two-week, 20 hour
training course at
their high schools
that will target the
following areas:
TEACH
Recruit Teach Empower
Drug
Testing
Resume
Building
Background
Check
Targeted
Employment

8.  Graduates of the training program will be assigned to an
employer.
 Graduates will work full time at their employer for two
months.
 We will check in with each student and each employer
regularly to prevent problems from occurring.
EMPOWER
Recruit Teach Empower

9. Yes, but not in Saint Louis.
HAS IT BEEN DONE BEFORE?
• A Los Angeles program designed to
help students build skills for a
successful career.
Youthsource
• Combines the power of government,
local organizations and businesses
to offer youth summer jobs.
One Summer
Chicago
• San Francisco program helping
youth secure paid internships in
city government offices.
SF Youth
Works

10. WHY WILL BUSINESSES AGREE TO THIS?
• No longer have to screen, drug-
test, and background check
incoming employees.
Hire Better Employees
• Business are able to advertise that
they are helping the overall
community.
Improve Image

11.  We networked some local businesses. Here’s who verbally
agreed to participate in this program given it did exist.
WHAT KINDS OF BUSINESSES?
Ted Drewes Waterway
Carwash Six Flags

12. Our costs are as follows:
COSTS

13. Yes, here’s how.
CHARGING BUSINESSES
 We charge the business 10-30% of the students paycheck
per week.
 We also charge a “head hunting” fee.
EXPANSION
 Over the 5-year period, our organization will gain both
students and credibility.
PROSPECT OF DONATIONS
 While we have not included donations and government
grants as a source of revenue in our finances, similar
organizations operate solely on this form of income.
IS IT SUSTAINABLE?

14. STL YOUTH JOBS
Similar organization that helps at risk youth in the St.
Louis area find jobs.
WHY WE ARE BETTER
We target youth through high schools which
makes our services more accessible to students.
We are making an effort sustainable while SLYJ
relies solely on donations and government grants.
WHO IS OUR COMPETITION?

15. IT IS TIME THAT WE STOP VIEWING OUR YOUTH
AS A LIABILITY AND START EMPOWERING THEM
TO BE AN ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY.
FINAL WORD