KeyBank has bestowed a grant of $35,000 to boost Project Lemonade's L+EARN internship program. This initiative aims to offer foster youth invaluable guidance on careers and finances, continuous mentorship, and access to prospective job opportunities.
The challenge of securing employment and financial stability significantly impacts the sense of safety and stability in the lives of foster youth. In response, Project Lemonade has been actively engaging over 75 foster youth in the L+EARN Internship Program since 2016. Remarkably, the program has achieved an impressive 91% success rate in motivating participants to pursue further education or employment opportunities upon completion.
KeyBank's Market President for Oregon and S.W. Washington and Commercial Banking leader, Josh Lyons, highlighted the program's importance, stating, "This program serves as a crucial avenue for establishing a solid foundation for foster youth to build long-term stability. KeyBank recognizes that secure employment acts as the gateway to a financially secure future. We are thrilled to support Project Lemonade's endeavors in empowering these vulnerable youth to unlock their full potential, thereby contributing to stronger communities for all."
One recent success story is that of Farid, who tragically lost both parents at the age of 16. Alone, he embarked on a perilous journey from his homeland in Ghana to the United States, enduring boat and foot travel, eventually landing in immigrant detention before entering the foster care system. Farid's connection with Project Lemonade, facilitated by his case worker, led him to embark on an internship. With Project Lemonade's guidance, he secured a position at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, where he has been employed for the past five years. Farid expressed his gratitude, saying, "To me, Project Lemonade is like family. They helped me secure this job, and they have always been there for me whenever I needed assistance."
Rebecca Gundle, Project Lemonade's Internship Program Manager, emphasized the challenges faced by many teens and young adults who have experienced foster care. She explained, "Many of them lack the support of parents or individuals who can help them establish crucial connections that often lead to employment opportunities." Project Lemonade bridges this gap by providing paid job training, assisting youth in building their resumes, and facilitating vital workplace connections, ultimately leading to long-term employment and financial stability.
The 2023 L+EARN Internship program is generously supported by the Department of Human Services, KeyBank, SummerWorks, and Bank of America.
The challenge of securing employment and financial stability significantly impacts the sense of safety and stability in the lives of foster youth. In response, Project Lemonade has been actively engaging over 75 foster youth in the L+EARN Internship Program since 2016. Remarkably, the program has achieved an impressive 91% success rate in motivating participants to pursue further education or employment opportunities upon completion.
KeyBank's Market President for Oregon and S.W. Washington and Commercial Banking leader, Josh Lyons, highlighted the program's importance, stating, "This program serves as a crucial avenue for establishing a solid foundation for foster youth to build long-term stability. KeyBank recognizes that secure employment acts as the gateway to a financially secure future. We are thrilled to support Project Lemonade's endeavors in empowering these vulnerable youth to unlock their full potential, thereby contributing to stronger communities for all."
One recent success story is that of Farid, who tragically lost both parents at the age of 16. Alone, he embarked on a perilous journey from his homeland in Ghana to the United States, enduring boat and foot travel, eventually landing in immigrant detention before entering the foster care system. Farid's connection with Project Lemonade, facilitated by his case worker, led him to embark on an internship. With Project Lemonade's guidance, he secured a position at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, where he has been employed for the past five years. Farid expressed his gratitude, saying, "To me, Project Lemonade is like family. They helped me secure this job, and they have always been there for me whenever I needed assistance."
Rebecca Gundle, Project Lemonade's Internship Program Manager, emphasized the challenges faced by many teens and young adults who have experienced foster care. She explained, "Many of them lack the support of parents or individuals who can help them establish crucial connections that often lead to employment opportunities." Project Lemonade bridges this gap by providing paid job training, assisting youth in building their resumes, and facilitating vital workplace connections, ultimately leading to long-term employment and financial stability.
The 2023 L+EARN Internship program is generously supported by the Department of Human Services, KeyBank, SummerWorks, and Bank of America.