Comcast Supports Youth Job Center with $15,000 Grant

(Evanston, Ill.) -- The Youth Job Center of Evanston received $15,000 from Comcast in support of its Strategic Corporate Alliances (SCA) program. The funding is the third installment of a three-year grant totaling $45,000. As youth employment levels continue to feel the recession’s effects, the funds are a significant step toward equipping Chicago-area youth with the job training they need.

“Funders like Comcast are particularly valuable to the YJC because continuous, sustained funding such as this grant allows us to achieve our mission to prepare youth for success in the workplace,” said Kim Hoopingarner development director for the Youth Job Center.

The SCA program works to prepare young adults, ages 18-25, for living wage employment. The program features an intense, three-week job training and technology skills-based program. SCA is designed to help young adults with multiple barriers to employment, such as a criminal background or no work history, prepare for the workforce and secure full-time employment that leads to self-sufficiency.

This grant from the Comcast Foundation is in recognition of Comcast’s commitment to the communities where its customers and employees live and work. Since its founding in 1999, the Comcast Foundation has distributed more than $64 million in cash support of programs implemented locally in Comcast communities.

As a result of funding already received, effects were seen even today through this month’s SCA graduation. Seven SCA participants were awarded certificates for their completion of the program. The graduates included Melvin Nelson, Milton Nivose, Andrew Bryant, Claudia Arredondo, Zaid Behre and Liliana Dixon.

All participants have plans for the immediate future, including completing a GED, pursuing additional school, beginning a full-time position and more.

SCA Adviser Crystal Malone said this month’s graduates represented an extraordinary group of individuals.

“Each day they came ready to work, with positive attitudes and a desire to learn,” she said. “Despite any of their individual barriers to employment, their experience with the program has already given them confidence in themselves, as well as what they can and will accomplish in the future.”

The Youth Job Center of Evanston prepares youth ages 14-25 for success in the workplace through job-readiness, placement and employment support in partnership with employers.

For more information or to set up an interview, please contact Melanie Wanzek, Communications Assistant, at 847-864-5627 ext. 19 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

# # #