PYN Kicks off 300+ Summer Job Opportunities at "Welcome Week"

(Philadelphia, PA – June 23, 2025) – This week, the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) officially launches its 2025 Summer Jobs Programs, connecting more than 300 young people with paid work experiences in partnership with dozens of employers, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partners across the city of Philadelphia.

Programming begins June 23 with “Summer Jobs Welcome Week,” a series of orientation sessions and job readiness training designed to prepare youth for a successful summer of career exposure and workforce experience. Most youth will participate in PYN’s WorkReady BOOST program, a dynamic, year-round career development initiative that provides internships and part-time job opportunities across the city.

An additional 115 young people will join the WorkReady VIP program, designed specifically for youth ages 14–24 living in Philadelphia’s highest-priority, violence-affected ZIP codes. In addition to paid work experiences, these participants will receive access to violence intervention and prevention services, enhanced curriculum, trauma-informed support services and more.

“We are so excited to get our summer programs underway,” PYN President and CEO Wendy-Anne Roberts-Johnson said. “All our programs aim to give young people the resiliency, skills, competencies and connections needed to pursue fulfilling careers. Each career exposure and internship experience serves as a foundation for young people to build financially stable futures.”

WorkReady BOOST is a year-round career development initiative of PYN, funded by PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the City’s C2L PHL summer youth employment program, and private funders. The program helps enhance financial literacy, encourage career exposure, and increase knowledge of economic mobility. WorkReady BOOST summer program offers 120 hours of paid work experience, which usually consists of 100 hours on-site and 20 hours of classroom-based professional development training. Participating youth can earn up to $1,500 and will be supported with wraparound services as well as financial literacy and soft skills training.

PYN is providing WorkReady Boost internships this summer with more than 30 companies and organizations this summer, including Accenture, Bank of America, Drexel University, iHeartMedia, City Council Offices, City of Philadelphia Law Department, PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works, Philadelphia Water Department, Salvation Army and others.

One of many partners joining this summer’s efforts is the Office of State Senator Amen Brown, where a cohort of young people will participate in internships designed to provide early career exposure in government and public service. These experiences offer hands-on learning and mentorship, helping youth explore pathways in policy, leadership, and community advocacy.

“I’m thrilled to partner with the Philadelphia Youth Network this summer and to welcome PYN interns into my district office,” said State Representative Amen Brown. “These programs are more than just summer jobs - they’re life-changing opportunities that help young people gain real-world experience, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future. It’s an honor to play a role in supporting the next generation of leaders right here in our community.”

Another partner supporting this year’s Summer Jobs Programs is Bebashi Food Pantry, a local food security focused non-profit where youth participants will gain hands-on experience in culinary arts and community food service.

“I want to work in the hospitality industry one day, so hopefully this experience will help me learn new skills to set me up better for the future,” said Daniel Douglas, a WorkReady BOOST participant placed at Bebashi. “My dream is to open my own restaurant one day, so I’m excited to get real hands-on cooking experience too.”

WorkReady Boost and WorkReady VIP are just two of the key programs PYN runs to equip young people to build lifelong skills, pursue meaningful careers, and embrace change with confidence —so they can thrive in the workforce, experience economic mobility, and strengthen their communities. Read more about PYN’s current programs offerings at www.pyninc.org/our-programs.