Youth employment supported with free transportation

Nonprofit

Jun 26

FOX 17 is bringing back its A Path Forward initiative to combat rising youth crime. Launched last June, the program focuses on uplifting young individuals in the community through engagement, partnerships, and effective storytelling. The initiative aims to facilitate employment for young people and increase their involvement and retention in the workforce.

A significant barrier identified in the community is the need for transportation, which can hinder young people from securing or maintaining employment. To address this, FOX 17 has teamed up with The Rapid and The Village99 to offer free bus passes to teenage employees struggling with transportation to work. The initiative is supported by a $10,000 grant from the Scripps Howard Fund, which will provide 300 bus passes valid from July 1 to July 31.

Local businesses and nonprofits employing youth aged 15-19 are encouraged to apply for unlimited monthly bus passes. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2024.

According to FOX 17, the program is a powerful demonstration of the community's commitment to supporting its young workforce in a tangible and impactful way.

"A Rapid Path Forward is just one way we hope to use valuable partnerships and our platform to provide more access and opportunity to the young people in our community," said Michelle Dunaway, Community Relationship Manager, FOX 17. "Transportation should never be a barrier to success. We appreciate The Rapid and The Village99 for helping us do what we can to address that. We are looking forward to seeing the impact and how we can continue to lift up the youth across Grand Rapids and beyond."

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.thevillage99.org/a-rapid-path-forward.