Release Date: Tuesday, June 30th 2009

University City District Summer Jobs Program Kicks off 4th Season

UCD to employ 30 young adults this summer to help clean
neighborhood and instill civic pride


(Philadelphia, PA) - University City District (UCD) is pleased to announce the continuation of its summer jobs program for 2009, its fourth consecutive season. In partnership with the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition’s Workready Philadelphia program and generous assistance from INTECH Construction, Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) / SCI-West, University of Pennsylvania, The Science Center and Garden Court Community Association, UCD has created 30 new jobs for high school students.  UCD will provide these new employment opportunities with assistance from ABM Industries, Inc. (UCD’s public space maintenance contractor). The summer jobs participants will assist UCD’s ongoing revitalization efforts through cleaning vacant lots, weed and litter removal, street cleaning, public park cleanings, flower planting, tree watering, and other special community projects.
 
The program is intended to provide constructive activities for young people in West Philadelphia and to act as an antidote to some of the problems plaguing the community, especially with consideration to the current national economic climate.  “UCD is pleased to extend our summer jobs program for another year and provide opportunities for 30 high school students this year.  Our experience last year was so positive that we wanted to build upon it and do more to be part of the solution,” added Dexter Bryant, UCD’s Director of Operations.
 
In addition to creating gainful employment opportunities, the summer job program will give young adults a sense of pride in their neighborhood while improving the overall quality of life for all who work, live and recreate in University City.  The UCD Summer Jobs Program will be an eight week program - 25 hours/week, 5 days/week - from July 6 to August 28, 2009.  UCD hopes to hire high school students in good standing that reside in University City or West Philadelphia.  There will also be a mentorship and educational component to the program – participants also attend work readiness and skill development sessions one day a week at Temple University.
 
Please refer any questions about the program to the Workready Hotline at 267-502-3742 or UCD at 215-243-0555. 2008 summer jobs program photos are available by contacting Mark Christman at mark@universitycity.org or by calling 215-243-0555 x229.
 

###
University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for University City’s diverse, urban community. University City is the region’s leading community for technology, research, higher education and health care integrated with historic and desirable residential neighborhoods, vibrant commercial and cultural attractions, and strong transportation connections.  Visit www.universitycity.org  for more information.