What does it mean for a program to transform communities while remaining grounded in the voices and perspectives of residents? In the second episode of J-PAL Voices: The Impact and Promise of Summer Jobs in the United States, we look at how summer jobs programs in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City strive to ensure that zip code is not destiny. These programs celebrate diversity and introduce participants to a variety of perspectives. Hear how yesterday’s participants become today’s leaders through the stories of Rashad Cope and Tatiana Arguello. Learn about the value of building deep relationships from the Philadelphia Youth Network’s Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend. And hear from participants like Benjamin Babayev and Sunny Lee on how their summer experiences broadened their horizons.

We would love to hear your comments and feedback at podcasts@povertyactionlab.org. J-PAL Voices is brought to you by J-PAL North America (https://www.povertyactionlab.org/na). Stay in touch via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JPAL.NorthAmerica/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/JPAL_NA).

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Links:

·How do Summer Youth Employment Programs Improve Criminal Justice Outcomes, and for Whom? (pdf) by Alicia Sasser-Modestino

·PBS News Hour video (webpage) on Chicago’s One Summer Chicago program going virtual

·Snapshots: 20 Years of Impact (webpage) publication with participant stories from the Philadelphia Youth Network

·WBUR story (webpage) on Boston’s summer youth employment program adjusting this summer

·United Activities Unlimited’s Summer Youth Employment Program page (webpage)