City announces second Bright Future Employment Fair

City to hire up to 150 employees for summer work experience

Recognizing the need to provide employment opportunities for residents, the City of Kansas City, Mo., has announced the addition of a second, six-week summer session to its successful Bright Future Employment Program. The City will hire up to 150 employees at the Bright Future Employment Fair - II on Saturday, June 4, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Brush Creek Community Center, 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.

Kansas City, Mo., residents ages 15 and older interested in a six-week paid Bright Future work experience this summer are encouraged to apply online at www.kcmo.org/brightfuture by June 2 at 5 p.m. The City will contact those applicants chosen to attend the employment fair by June 3. Only residents who apply and receive an invitation to attend will be permitted to enter the fair.

The Bright Future Employment Program’s second session will provide participants full-time work between Monday, June 20 and Friday, July 29.

Mayor Sly James and the City Council recognize the correlation between more employment opportunities and a stronger, better qualified workforce and look forward to the Bright Future Employment Program’s second session. Adding a session to the program also aligns with several of Mayor James’s initiatives.

“A job is the best social program we have as a City. I am excited to invite Kansas Citians, who are looking for a summer job, to apply for the Bright Future Program. Through this program, participants will gain valuable experience, make a little summer money, and provide some valuable service to our City. It is a great program kicking off at exactly the right time. I urge residents looking for summer work to sign up, get involved and help Kansas City get to work,” said Mayor James.

This year’s first Bright Future Employment Fair, held in March 2011, provided 125 City positions and 475 private sector positions. Since the program’s inception in 2005, the program has connected more than 4,000 people with work experiences with an impressive retention rate of 96 percent, which far exceeds the national average.

In addition to a six-week work experience, the Bright Future Employment Program also provides leadership and professional development seminars for its participants.

The program’s second session is sponsored by the City in partnership with the Concerned Clergy and the Full Employment Council. Previous supporters have been- Burns and McDonnell; UMB Bank; BKD; Greater Kansas City Chamber; Kansas City Power & Light;and CH2M HILL.

Businesses interested in recruiting at the Bright Future Employment Fair may contact Thalia Cherry, director of the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, at 816-513-1378.

For more information or media inquiries about the Bright Future Employment Program, please also contact Thalia Cherry at 816-513-1378.