Participants can learn to swim, earn lifeguard
certifications, and explore a wide range of water-related
careers
CHICAGO, Aug. 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago today
announced the launch of Water Works, an innovative
career-exploration program designed to introduce at-risk young
people to a wide range of water-related careers. The program aims
to provide young people ages 16-24 with swimming skills needed to
unlock meaningful jobs and career opportunities related to water,
from lifeguard to oceanographer and beyond.
Water Works provides participants with expert instruction,
lifeguard and other certifications, and all required equipment,
including swimsuits. Through the hourly stipend of $16.20/hour, participants can earn nearly
$3,000 by the end of the 12-week
program. The initiative is funded through the State of Illinois' Youth Investment Program,
which supports job training for at-risk transition-age youth, ages
16-24.
"While Chicago sits on one of the world's largest bodies of
fresh water, many young people in our under-resourced communities
cannot swim, let alone aspire to well-paying jobs as lifeguards, or
dream of careers on the water," said Tina
Hone, Chief Economic Inclusion & Equity Officer, YMCA of
Metropolitan Chicago. "Water Works is designed to change that
narrative by unlocking a whole new world of opportunities for local
at-risk young people. We're not just making waves, we're creating
ripples of change across communities and giving youth a splashy
start to rewarding careers locally and across the globe."
Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive Training: Participants will receive swim
instruction tailored to their specific skill level, including
teaching students with zero experience in the water how to
swim.
- Certifications: Participants will have the opportunity
to earn lifeguard and swim-instructor certifications, creating an
immediate pathway to well-paying work, including at the YMCA.
- Career Development & Exploration: Participants will
receive career coaching, such as resume writing and soft-skill
training, and will participate in field trips designed to bring
water-related careers to life.
- No Cost: All certifications, equipment (including
swimsuits and training) are provided at no cost to
participants.
- Paid Stipend: Participants will earn a stipend of
$16.20/hour, which aligns with
Chicago's minimum wage.
Water Works begins August 26 and
will be held at three YMCAs across the city: Irving Park YMCA (Old
Irving Park), McCormick YMCA (Humboldt Park), and South Side YMCA
(Woodlawn). Career-seekers ages 16
to 24 who meet state requirements are encouraged to apply
at ymcachicago.org/waterworks.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of
Metropolitan Chicago is the leader in accessible, inclusive
programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year,
strengthening community by connecting all people to their purpose,
potential, and each other. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is evolving to
become a 21st-century social enterprise for the region, through an
association of 14 community hubs, 5 overnight camps, and 100
extension sites throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. Learn more
about the Y's locations and programming at ymcachicago.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katy Broom
Director,
Marketing & Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-932-1171
kbroom@ymcachicago.org
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SOURCE YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago