Building Work Skills, Fostering Life Skills
Summer
Jobs Program
Summer Jobs Program
It's more than just a summer job!
Students develop work skills, explore
career options, and connect with a mentor
“The Summer Jobs Program helped me realize what I would like to do in my future. I got to work in a dental clinic...and learn more about that career. SJP also helped me with my social skills and how to handle job conflicts.” -Ali, SJP participant
Program locations
"I feel much more confident in my ability to secure a job after this program."
-Connor, SJP participant
About
The Summer Jobs Program (SJP) matches participants with a paid work experience, provides a paid foundational work skills training, and connects students with an adult mentor for the summer. SJP participants are high school students and recent graduates eager to develop their work skills and explore their career options. Through the program, students gain skills, experience, and professional networks that prepare them for success in future endeavors. The work skills our students learn and practice serve them well both in and out of the workforce.
At the same time, the program grows the workforce pipeline and strengthens the local economy by connecting motivated youth to local employers. The students are eager to learn and bring talent and fresh energy to the workplace.
Specifics:
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Paid work placements run from early June to mid-August.
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Participating employers agree to provide a paid position in a safe, productive work environment.
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Some students will work full-time and some will work part-time, depending on employer's need. Al students will work at least 150 hours during the summer.
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Students will attend a 4-hour work skills training before the summer begins and will earn a $50 stipend upon completion.
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Students will meet with a mentor at least 5 times during the summer.
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Student participants have the option to take a free 1-credit college course from Miles City Community College (Work Skills & Interpersonal Communication) or a free 3-credit college course from Helena College (Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace). Both courses are delivered remotely online.
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SJP cannot guarantee internship or job placement, due to applicant availability or qualifications.
Applying youth must:
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Have a current photo ID and a Social Security number.
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Be 16-19 years old (for priority placement; we have limited positions for 15 year olds).
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Successfully pass a drug screening and background check, if required by their host employer.
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Have transportation to the job site.
To apply, students will:
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Complete an online application.
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Submit a resume with the online application.
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Complete an interview with the Summer Jobs Program committee.
Program Partners:
We are incredibly grateful to the following organizations for dedicating time and resources towards the Summer Jobs Program! This program is collaborative and community-driven. We also want to say THANK YOU to our sponsors!
Anaconda Summer Jobs Program, a partnership of Anaconda Community Intervention, Discover Anaconda, and Reach Higher Montana serving Anaconda High School. Program coordinator: Ruth Moen (ruth@discoveranaconda.com)
Bozeman Summer Jobs Program, a partnership of City of Bozeman, Gallatin College, and Bozeman Public Schools serving Bozeman High School. Program coordinator: Jesse DiTommaso (JDiTommaso@bozeman.net | 406-579-2494)
Butte Summer Jobs Program, a partnership of Butte Chamber of Commerce, Butte Public Schools, Montana Tech, and Reach Higher Montana serving Butte area high schools.
Helena Area Summer Jobs Program, a partnership of Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, Helena College, Reach Higher Montana, and STOKE of Townsend serving Broadwater, Capital, East Helena, Helena, Jefferson, and Project for Alternative Learning High Schools. Program coordinator: Nisan Burbridge (nburbridge@americanjobs4youth.org)
Whitehall Summer Jobs Program, a partnership of Jefferson Local Development Corporation, Montana Business Assistance Connection, Reach Higher Montana, and Whitehall Public Schools serving Whitehall High School. Program coordinator: Lindsey Graham (lindsey.graham@jldcmt.com)
Workforce Flathead Summer Jobs Program, a partnership of Discover Kalispell Chamber, Flathead Valley Community College, Reach Higher Montana, and Workforce Flathead serving Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Glacier, Linderman, Stillwater Christian, and Whitefish High Schools. Program coordinator: Jennifer Cronk (j.cronk@kalispellchamber.com | 406-758-2801)
Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program, a partnership of Big Sky Economic Development, Billings Association of Realtors, Billings Chamber of Commerce, Billings School District, BillingsWorks, and Reach Higher Montana serving Huntley Project, Laurel Lockwood, Senior, Shepherd, Skyview, and West High Schools. Program coordinator: Marcell Bruski (marcell@bigskyeda.org | 406-869-8408)