by Dan Perkins

Finding a career-building summer job has never been easy, especially for high school students.  Most employers believe high school students lack the maturity and experience to make meaningful contributions.  Most businesses prefer to hire college students for the summer, if they hire students at all.  

Although the job search is difficult for most high school students, the situation is not impossible.  If a child comes from a solidly middle-class or upper middle-class family, chances are one or both parents hold a professional job and can assist the child in developing the skills and contacts needed to land a great summer job.  If the parents are unable to provide  immediate access to a job, chances are they know someone who can assist the child in gaining professional work experience. 

The family-connection scenario typically breaks down for students from poor, working-class and immigrant backgrounds.  Most working-class and immigrant parents are unfamiliar with professional work environments and lack the skills and contacts to assist their children in finding career-building summer jobs.

One institution in Chicago has addressed the challenges facing disadvantaged youth.  Holy Trinity High School, a Catholic school on Chicago's near north side, established an innovative program called Friends For A Future Summer Internship Program, or more simply, the Friends Program.  This program offers motivated students the opportunity to work in professional environments for the summer.  The experience broadens the students' level of exposure and awareness, and many students return to school in the fall with a strong determination to pursue college and a profession. 

The Friends Program has grown over the past seven years through the hard work and dedication of volunteers.  It is the type of program that can be replicated in nearly any community, provided there are individuals who care enough to put forth the effort.

Five factors form the building blocks of this innovative program: 1) visionary leadership, 2) dedicated educators, 3) committed friends, 4) supportive partners, and 5) motivated students.

Discover how each of these factors has enabled Holy Trinity High School to become a leader in linking urban youth to more promising futures.  Simply click the graphic below.