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Know Anyone Who Helps Youth Find Jobs? They Might Be Invited to the White House!

July 4, 2013 at 12:05 AM ET by Valerie Jarrett and Danielle Gray
Summary: 
Do you remember your first job? For young people, a first job always provides invaluable lessons that they’ll use the rest of their lives.

Do you remember your first job? For young people, a first job always provides invaluable lessons that they’ll use the rest of their lives.

Today, we’re issuing a challenge: tell us who the youth jobs champions are in your community by July 19 – the people or organizations who are having the biggest impact on preparing your community’s underserved youth to join the workforce. Those selected as Youth Jobs+ Champions of Change will be recognized at an event at the White House later this summer. 

The White House Champions of Change program highlights individuals, businesses, and organizations whose extraordinary stories and accomplishments have made a difference in our communities.  The Youth Jobs+ Champions of Change event will honor heroes who are helping young people develop the skills and work ethic that come with employment. It will also honor some of the determined, extraordinary young people who have participated in these programs.

President Obama knows the impact that jobs can have on our nation’s youth. That’s why in April, he challenged local elected officials and business and community leaders to work together to connect young people with summer and year-round job opportunities. 

In addition, we’ve been co-hosting Youth Jobs+ Roundtables across the country with local leaders. These roundtables bring together senior Administration officials, local elected officials and community partners to generate commitments for addressing employment and jobs training for underserved local youth.  So far, 17 roundtables have taken place in communities across the country, in small towns like Wyandanch, New York and in big cities like Portland, Oregon. In July, we expect 11 additional roundtables will take place throughout the U.S.

To learn more about President Obama’s Youth Jobs+ initiative, visit http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/youthjobs. To nominate a Champion, or learn more about the White House Champions of Change program, visit obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/champions.  The open nomination period closes Friday, July 19.