Inner City Youth Summer Employment Program
City of Benton Harbor Supports Inner City Youth With Summer Employment Program
This summer, the City of Benton Harbor is once again finding ways to invest in its inner city youth. This summer the city is funding jobs for local youth to work, and the results are already making an impact.
Through the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program, 25 local high school students (each a Benton Harbor resident) have been hired to help with city beautification efforts. From picking up trash to landscaping public parks, these students are playing an active role in keeping Benton Harbor clean, safe, and welcoming.
The program, which has existed in various forms for decades, provides youth with not just a paycheck, but a chance to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and give back to their city.
“I’m very appreciative to be working for the City this summer,” said Mickael Clark, a youth participant in the program. “It’s been a fun experience, and I’ve made new friends while helping keep our city clean and looking nice!”
City leaders say the program reflects a broader commitment to youth development and community pride.
"We wish our program could be larger and that it involved more youth.” Said City Manager Alex Little. “The source of our funding is HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which limits us to using 15% of the total funds for public services. This category includes both youth employment and senior nutrition services that we provide."
Student worker Jakayla Scott echoed that sentiment, saying, “This has been good—meeting new people and making new friendships. Lately we’ve been picking up trash and doing landscaping in our parks. And I've been enjoying it.”
As the summer continues, residents can expect to see youth crews out and about, contributing to a cleaner and more vibrant Benton Harbor.
Whether assisting in public spaces, supporting city events, or completing daily maintenance tasks, these young workers are playing a visible and valuable role in Benton Harbor’s ongoing efforts to improve city community spaces.
For more information, please contact Nicholas Gunn at 269-470-0570.
