Mayor Suttle, Willie Barney of the Empowerment Network, Councilmembers Gray and Gernandt stand with a cadre of supporters of the STEP-UP Program
March 1, 2012 – Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, the Empowerment Network and more than 20 community partners announced a new Summer Training and Jobs Program called STEP-UP Omaha today. The Mayor’s office along with the Empowerment Network is challenging Omaha businesses and the philanthropic community to match city funding in order to provide employment opportunities for young Omahans, ages 14-24. While Omaha overall experiences a 4.4% unemployment rate, certain pockets of the city have a 25% unemployment rate.
“Employment has been a cornerstone of my efforts to do everything possible to stem violence in our community,” said Mayor Suttle. “We need to make it possible for kids to have the option of a productive future. Employment provides a structured alternative to negative activity on the streets and deters young people from the temptation of gangs and guns.”
The STEP-UP Omaha program (Summer Training Employment Pathway and Urban Pipeline), under the direction of the Empowerment Network, will receive $300,000 from the City of Omaha to be matched equally by local businesses and community partners. The goal is to reach more than $900,000 in combined funding, training and employment options for more than 500 youth this summer.
“The plan includes providing skill training as well as actual work experience for young people in our high unemployment areas,” said Willie Barney, President of the Empowerment Network. “Our City is dependent on the success of our young people, and we must make sure they have every opportunity to gain the skills necessary for a successful career.”
“Blue Cross Blue Shield supported youth summer employment last year and we are committed to partnering with the Empowerment Network, government, business leaders and community partners to expand the initiative moving forward,” said Steve Martin, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska. “The program is producing measurable results.”
“We are excited to be a part of the expansion of this jobs program,” said John Kotouc, Executive Chairman of American National Bank. “The Empowerment Network has been effective with this program for the last four years. They have excellent connections to youth in the community and offer great support to employers. The youth participants are respectful and courteous. It’s wonderful to see their horizons expand as they are exposed to new work challenges.”
Starting Thursday, March 1,2012, Mayor Suttle and the Empowerment Network will be calling area businesses and the philanthropic community directly for their support in this citywide effort to employ youth in Omaha this summer and into the future.
