The White House chose the city of Newark as one of 16 communities to take part in the Special Impact Hub program, aimed at upgrading and expanding community programs (including job, learning, meal and violence reduction programs) for young people this summer and year-round.
Newark was chosen in recognition of the city’s coordinated efforts to provide youth with job training and preparation, learning programs, violence reduction initiatives and innovation/entrepreneurship opportunities.
“The choice of Newark as a Special Impact Hub is an important addition to Newark’s coordinated programs targeted to young people,” said Mayor Ras Baraka. “But more importantly, it is a first step in the city’s massive effort to create jobs and lift the economy of Newark. We will be announcing the details of our Newark Jobs Plan in a few weeks.”
As a Special Impact Hub, Newark will be paired with a “Summer Ambassador,” a federal official who will spend the spring and summer partnering with the city to meet goals for youths by leveraging federal resources, bringing together city agencies and building new local and national partnerships.
“Access to a job in the summer and beyond can make all the difference to a young person—especially those who don’t have access to many resources and opportunities,” said President Barack Obama.
Federal agencies are coming together to help out. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing meals, and the Department of Education is offering technical assistance through its Summer Opportunity iForums webinars. The Department of Treasury is offering information on financial education and the Department of Housing and Urban Development is enlisting the help of its network of 4,000 public housing authorities.