MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Over the past several decades the MPLOY program has helped thousands of young people build skills and gain valuable hands on experience in industries they are interested in.
MPLOY is a locally funded initiative administered by the Memphis Office of Youth Services (MOYS) that provides City of Memphis youth ages 16 to 22 with meaningful and rewarding summer experiences.
"The whole premise of the program is to really expose young people to various sectors of the business world where they can see and express themselves in something they're interested in, but also gain skill sets from entrepreneurs corporations to really show what they can be" says the Memphis youth services director Brian Harris.
Participants work for 6 weeks in positions aligned with different career paths, where they learn soft-skills training, maintain entry-level positions, and complete internships. The professional development component of the MPLOY Youth Summer Experience takes different forms, according to the age and work industry of the MPLOY participant.
MPLOY pays the wages of the youth during the course of the program, helping small businesses with extra staff but the benefits extend far beyond just a summer job.
"We owe them an opportunity and when you give them an opportunity they will appreciate it and work wonders because we open a door for them" shared Harris.
Top employers in the Memphis area make this program possible by agreeing to serve as partners, offering structured job opportunities and training for youth during the summer.
Business owner, Jason Gardner shared his perspective on participating in the program. "A lot of times we have dreams and we never know how to attain those dreams so hopefully this is giving her the opportunity to see how to go about finding her dreams herself."
Jason Gardner, owner of Trap Fusion, shared his perspective as a small business owner participating in the program, "being a small business owner that's exactly what we want to do. we want to build a thriving culture and find the people who really want to be in the industry and just provide them with the opportunity."
This year around 1000 young people participated and there was a 35% increase in the number of businesses who participated.
Emani Lovett, MPLOY youth program participant, encourages others to join, "I see it as a good opportunity for young kids out there. Jump into it. It's a good program!"