This year, 150 Tacoma Public Schools students – a number double the average on any given year – earned high school credit for graduation while gaining valuable paid work experience through the Summer Jobs 253 program.
“I am so proud of these remarkable young people, and wish them well as they enter today’s workforce equipped with new skills in financial literacy, project management and more,” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, who presented them today with their final paychecks. In total, each student received stipend amounts of up to $1,000.
Summer Jobs 253 – a workforce development initiative which first launched in 2013 – is jointly spearheaded and managed by the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Schools. The program is funded by City of Tacoma workforce development funds.
The increase in Summer Jobs 253 enrollment was made possible this year, in large part, thanks to a one-time infusion of $150,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act funding received and directed by Tacoma Public Schools toward the program over the course of two years. In 2021, the program received $75,000. In 2022, the program will also receive $75,000.
Employers interested in getting involved with the Summer Jobs 253 program, or students who feel they may be a good fit, can obtain more information at summerjobs253.com or direct questions to Carol Wolfe in the City’s Community & Economic Development Department at cwolfe@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5384.
