Why do we do what we do?

Hire Houston Youth serves as the facilitator to connect youth to local jobs where they are empowered with an “earn and learn” opportunity in Houston’s dynamic economy. Youth, age 16–24, are offered eight-week paid summer jobs and internships at the City of Houston, the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

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.

Learn About Mayor Turner’s First Job

“It was not just about the money…but I learned how to take orders, follow instructions, be ready, be on time, and put in a full day’s work for a full day’s pay.”

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.

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.

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

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