​Denver’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and Bank of America Announce Youth Summer Employment Program

The City and County of Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs and Office of Economic Development, along with Mi Casa Resource Center, Impact Empowerment Group and Street Fraternity, are working in partnership with Bank of America to pilot the “My Brother's Keeper Summer of Success” program to provide 25 young men of color with summer employment opportunities.
 
“Through this program, we’re aiming to open doors for these young men of color and support their success,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “This partnership with Bank of America and other local nonprofit organizations will change their trajectory, positioning them to become leaders within their communities and in our great city.”
 
The “My Brother's Keeper Summer of Success” program will run for 8 weeks and is scheduled to take place from June 5 – July 25, 2017. The young men selected to participate must be between the ages of 16 – 18 and will engage in job-readiness training with a strong emphasis on financial literacy and customer service skills. Participants will be placed with an employer partner that aligns with their specific area of interest and career goals.
 
Bank of America awarded the city $50,000 to support this program and will be the primary source for financial education through the Better Money Habits curriculum. Nonprofit partners will also utilize the Office of Financial Empowerment's Bank On Denver program to assist participants in setting up savings and checking accounts.
 
“Despite our improving economy, young people—especially young men of color—face job scarcity,” Colorado State and Denver Market President for Bank of America Jodi Rolland said. “As a business leader, our investment in this program stems from the knowledge that a first job is so much more than a paycheck – it’s a pathway for a better financial future for that young person and the economic vitality of our city.”
 
Participants of the “My Brother's Keeper Summer of Success” program will also attend bi-weekly seminars facilitated by men of color from the Denver community who have also overcome obstacles to realize their path to success. Facilitators will coach, mentor and share their own stories to guide these young men and help them discover their unlimited potential.
 
“We are excited to participate in this program and combine our passion for positive youth development with our expertise in career development and job-readiness training,” CEO and Executive Director of Mi Casa Resource Center Monique Lovato said. “Mi Casa Resource Center has been serving young people and families for over 40 years and the goals of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative to eliminate gaps for young men of color align with our strategic vision.”  
 
For more information about Denver’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, please visit the Office of Children's Affairs website.