100 more young people to get summer jobs in Philly, thanks to DNC donor

Philadelphia’s summer jobs program for young people is getting 100 more slots, thanks to a donor for the Democratic National Convention.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. kicked in $100,000 toward the Philadelphia DNC host committee’s fundraising goal. The global financial firm is also giving $150,000 to the city’s WorkReady Summer Jobs program. 

DNC host committee chairman, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, said it reflects a commitment to making the convention an inclusive experience for the whole city.

“We want to do something for the people of Philadelphia and something that will be a symbol for other companies thinking along the same lines,” he said.

So far, WorkReady Philadelphia has secured 6,000 slots with the goal of funding 10,000, six-week job placements for teenagers in the city this summer.

“We have enough data to show that not only do they want to work, but when the opportunities are there, they show up and they excel,” said Philadelphia Youth Network CEO Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend. “They just need the chance.”

This is a corrected version of this story. A previous headline misstated how much the donor was giving for summer jobs.