ST.

JAMES BUILDING, 117 WEST DUVAL STREET, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202

904.630.1776 www.coj.net


NEWS RELEASE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
ALVIN BROWN
MAYOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kristen Sell, (904) 630-1092, KSell@coj.net


MAYOR BROWN CALLS FOR STUDENT, BUSINESS PARTICIPATION
IN SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM
2014 Marks the 9
th
Year for the Summer Jobs Program in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 20, 2014 Mayor Alvin Brown today joined President and CEO of
JAX Chamber, Daniel Davis, and local business leaders to rally participation in the 2014
Summer Jobs Program.

The Summer Jobs Program is a comprehensive program providing Jacksonville youth with real
work experience to acquire increased understanding of the work environment, employer
expectations and personal responsibility.

One of the most important things we can do for our young people is to help introduce them to
the world of work so they gain the productive skills and habits that will serve them for a lifetime,
said Mayor Brown. The Summer Jobs Program is another great example of public-private
partnerships, with all of us working together to invest in the success of our next generation. Its
far better to have our teens spending their summer on the job, learning and earning, instead of
on the streets, hanging out and messing around.

The program is a win-win for both participating youth and businesses. Bi-Lo Holdings, parent
company of Winn-Dixie stores, is one of many local businesses providing jobs to area youth.
This year, Winn-Dixie is offering opportunities for 25 youth.

Thirty percent of our workforce is between the ages of 16 and 21, which shows how important
this age group is to our organization, said Bi-Lo Holdings Vice President of Communications
and Community Brian Wright. Many young associates choose to make a lifelong career in the
grocery business and we look forward to having the students of this worthwhile program join the
Winn-Dixie team this summer.

Among other businesses stepping up to participate in the program is Web.com, providing ten
jobs.

Web.com is very pleased to support the youth of Jacksonville by providing internship
opportunities under the Citys Summer Jobs Program, said Roseann Duran, executive vice
president and chief people officer for Web.com. We believe that the Summer Jobs Program can
provide productive alternatives to help our youth gain the knowledge, skills and experience
needed to succeed in life.
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ST. JAMES BUILDING, 117 WEST DUVAL STREET, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202
904.630.1776 www.coj.net


NEWS RELEASE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
ALVIN BROWN
MAYOR
The six-to-eight week program is designed to prepare youth with job readiness and soft skills
training to compete in the global economy. These are full-time or part-time positions that pay at
least minimum wage. Last year, the City of Jacksonville was able to offer more than 600
positions to youth through the Summer Jobs Program. This years goal is to provide 800
opportunities.

The Summer Jobs Program is part of Mayor Browns larger Youth Initiative launched in January
to increase summer job opportunities, expand efforts to keep first-time, nonviolent juvenile
offenders out of repeat trouble and develop youth leaders in the community.

Davis said there is a need for more businesses to step up to the plate and become partners in
this program.

Experiencing the responsibility of having a job and learning to solve problems by collaborating
in a work environment is so important for young people starting in the workforce, Davis said.
The more local business can help provide these experiences and lessons to our future leaders,
the more ready to for work these students will be when they start looking for a full-time job.

The competitive program is offered to Duval County residents between the ages of 16 and 21.
Participants must apply and be selected, as positions are limited. To learn more about the
program and to apply starting Wednesday, May 21, visit www.coj.net/summerjobs.

Businesses interested in participating can send an email to MayorsSummerJobs@coj.net.
The program runs June 16 through August 8.


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