YELLOWSTONE COUNTY SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM COMPLETES THIRD PROGRAM YEAR
Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) in partnership with American Jobs for America’s Youth Montana (AJAYMT) and supporting partners, Billings Public Schools, Billings Chamber of Commerce, Montana Office of Public Instruction, and Reach Higher Montana completed their third year of hosting the Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program (YCSJP). The Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program matches participants with a paid position, provides paid foundational work skills training, and connects students with an adult mentor for the summer. SJP participants are high school students and recent graduates, ages 16-19, eager to develop their work skills and explore their career options. Participating area businesses (in all industries) and community organizations help strengthen the local economy by connecting youth to meaningful work experiences.
BSED holds the MOU with AJAYMT to provide this program to Yellowstone County. Additionally, as a summer jobs program participant, students can take an optional free college course. These courses are offered online through Helena College and Miles City Community College. In Yellowstone County for the 2024 season, 4 students have taken advantage of this opportunity.
This year 34 total students completed the works skills training, matched with a Yellowstone County employer for a summer job, and matched with a business professional in the community as a mentor. The participating students are from the following schools: Lockwood High School – 1, Billings Central High School– 11, Laurel High School – 5, Senior High School – 4, Skyview High School – 2, West High School – 8, Career Center – 2, and Gallatin College (2023 Billings Public Schools graduate) – 1.
The businesses in Yellowstone County that have student employees with summer jobs through this program are: Moore Lane Veterinary Hospital, St. John’s United, United Way of Yellowstone County, Billings KOA Holiday, Stockman Bank, Northern Hotel, TKI CNC, Sweetwater Café, Yellowstone County Justice Court, Canyon Creek Nursery, Graphic Imprints, G&J Disel, and Hannesson Home.
The following businesses in Yellowstone County have employees serving as mentors to the students throughout the summer: Big Sky Senior Services, Montana OPI, Billings BIRD, Buchanan Capital, Vensure Employer Solutions, Komatsu, A&E Design, TDS Telecom, Altana Federal Credit Union, Wipfli LLP, Rocky Vista University, Resolute Law PLLC, Northern Hotel, Cari Baxter Real Estate, Billings School District 2, Big Sky Economic Development, Billings Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Yellowstone County, Lamar Advertising, Sanderson Stewart, Mary Beth Beaulieu Coaching, Nasuni, Collaborative Design Architects, Potts Law PLLC, Beartooth Trading, Lamplighter Creative, Samuel Roland Films, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, and St. John’s United.
Big Sky Economic Development’s BillingsWorks Manager, Shaye Metcalf said, “It is incredible to see the interest in this program from both our student population and employers. These students are making an investment in their futures by choosing to be a part of the program. This program helps students take their employability skills to the next level by providing them with work skills training and a mentor from the community to learn from. We are lucky that these people from a wide variety of industries have volunteered their time to invest in the workforce of tomorrow. We want to thank all our Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program partners, host employers, and mentors. We are grateful to live in a community where leaders of today are willing to invest in the leaders of tomorrow. Yellowstone County’s economy has a bright future with young people willing to work and learn, and businesses and community members dedicated to investing in them.”
American Jobs for America’s Youth (AJAYMT)’s Executive Director, Nisan Burbridge said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Yellowstone County. Through this collaborative effort, high school students and recent graduates acquire valuable skills, experience, and professional networks that will benefit them in their future endeavors. Additionally, local employers connect with motivated young employees, enhancing the local workforce pipeline and strengthening community ties. Now in its third year, Yellowstone County has achieved remarkable success, mirroring similar positive outcomes we’ve observed in other communities implementing the Summer Jobs Program. We are committed to broadening the scope of this program to enable more young people to engage in valuable earn-and-learn opportunities.”
To learn more about the Summer Jobs Program visit: https://www.ajaymt.org/students