FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 19, 2020

Courtney Tipper

Interim Public Information Officer

Office: 901.222.2322

Mobile: 901.481.3422

SHELBY COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION & OUTREACH LAUNCHES REVAMPED SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
20 young adult fellows will support community services, health department, and emergency management programs as a part of a new “Essential Services” track.

MEMPHIS, TN – This week, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and the Shelby County Office of Education and Outreach will kick-off the second annual Summer Work Experience program. This year’s program includes 20 young adult fellows who will receive hands-on experience supporting COVID-19-related initiatives.

Dr. Cedrick Gray, Director of the Office of Education: “Several of our County’s youth and young adult programs were amended or outright cut in light of COVID-19. While we contemplated cutting our program, countless parents and children asked that we try to find an innovative way to keep our Summer Work Experience alive this year. This year’s cohort will be significantly smaller to make sure that we accommodate social distancing and other health department recommendations, but I expect this work experience to be one of the most challenging and insightful early career opportunities for our participants.”

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “When children and young adults have nothing to do and nowhere to go, there is no community. All indications are that COVID-19 will be with us for a while, and we will continue to have a duty to provide safe educational and enrichment opportunities for our youngest constituents. Our office stands ready to seek creative solutions to help develop our future workforce and maintain a sense of normalcy for them.”

The YMCA of the Mid-South, the Shelby County Health Department, Shelby County Emergency Management, and Shelby County Community Services division will all host five students for the duration of the 6-week program. Participants will receive $10 per hour and participate in weekly professional development workshops hosted in partnership with the American Job Center.

(end of release)