Houston’s future is dependent on the educational success of our local youth. There is no greater predictor to the health and wellbeing of our city than the educational level of our population. The City of Houston and its many partners recognize the need for a collective, community-driven solution to this complex problem. Our youth deserve educational opportunities that connect them to the local workforce and career exploration, so they can make informed choices about their future career path in Houston’s dynamic economy.
Why do we do what we do?
In April 2016, we launched the Hire Houston Youth (HHY) program through our Office of Education. It is the first city-wide, collective impact postsecondary and workforce effort bringing together dozens of unique, outstanding partners from our diverse city.
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Mayor Sylvester Turner
In 2016, HHY increased its reach from 450 youth to 1,135; in 2017, HHY offered over 5,000 job opportunities; and our biggest year to date came in 2019 with over 11,500 jobs! In 2020, the impact of COVID-19 devastated summer youth employment programs around the Nation. Our hard-earned gains were compromised by the pandemic, but we persevered and placed over 1,800+ youth into virtual/digital, community health, and COVID-19 related jobs and internships. We were one of the only cities in the country to actively support a summer youth employment program. In 2021, with an economy on the rebound from the coronavirus pandemic, we've offered over 9,500 job opportunities.
PROBLEM
There is a growing deficit in meaningful employment and career exploration opportunities for youth, preventing them from gaining the skills to take advantage of Houston’s dynamic economy.
MISSION
To link government institutions, businesses, community organizations, and schools to offer internship, apprenticeships, and job opportunities to youth ages 16 to 24.
VISION
By 2023, Hire Houston Youth will offer a city-wide, year-round, youth workforce development program that offers learning, training, experience and resources to successfully navigate the educational, business, and neighborhood systems to empower youth to enter and succeed in Houston’s dynamic economy.
HHY Snapshot (2016-2021)
2016
Applicants – 3,000+
Employers – 57
Youth Placed – 1,135
Partners – 62
Funds raised – $150,992
Notable Accolades – White House Summer Opportunity Hub; National League of Cities’ Fellowship
Economic Impact – $2M+ generated
2017
Applicants – 3,000+
Employers – 57
Youth Placed – 1,135
Partners – 62
Funds raised – $150,992
Notable Accolades – White House Summer Opportunity Hub; National League of Cities’ Fellowship
Economic Impact – $2M+ generated
2018
Applicants – 13,000+
Employers – 293
Youth Employment Opportunities – 7,530
Partners – 353
Funds raised – $968,000 ( including Hurricane Harvey grant support)
Economic Impact – $18M+ generated into economy
2019
Applicants – 20,000+
Employers – 163
Youth Employment Opportunities – 11,518
Partners – 353
Funds raised – $283,600 (via Bank On Houston and Cities for Financial Empowerment – Financial
Empowerment Center)
Economic Impact – $26M+ generated into economy
2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic
Applicants – 5,900+
Employers – 79
Youth Employment Opportunities – 1,576
Partners –
Funds raised – $230,722
Youth Banked – 70% (via Bank On Houston and Cities for Financial Empowerment – Financial
Empowerment Center)
Economic Impact – $4M+ generated into economy
Notable Programs: COVID-19 Community Health Education Fellowship
2021 – Post Pandemic
Applicants – 25,000+
Employers – 200+
Youth Employment Opportunities – 9,500
Partners – 400
Funds raised – $190,000 (via Bank On Houston and Cities for Financial Empowerment – Financial Empowerment Center)
Economic Impact – $16M+ generated into economy
BENEFITS TO HHY PARTICIPANTS
- Career Exploration and Coaching
- Financial Literacy Workshops
- Soft Skills and Leadership Development
- Valuable Work Experience
- Building Social Capital and Networking
BENEFITS TO HHY EMPLOYERS
- Trained and Skilled Workforce
- Access to Business and Nonprofit Development Resources
- Tax-credit Benefits
- Network of Public, Private, and Philanthropic Partners
- Connection to youth and communities