Earn+Learn

The Issue

Summer employment programs have become critical pipelines to engage youth and put them on a path for career longevity or further education.

Our Impact

Every summer, 150 youth work at more than 50 businesses and non-profit organizations to learn critical employment skills. A first job often means so much more than a paycheck. It can mean a connection to a lifelong mentor, the ability to envision a career path, a boost in self-confidence, an appreciation for the value of education, an off-ramp from a life on the streets, a belief that you can be something.

Overview

GECAC's Earn+Learn program provides job readiness training, career exploration, and employment opportunities for youth living in Erie County. The program aims to expose youth and young adults to local industries and businesses that can absorb them as full-time employees.

Earn+Learn is a collaborative effort between the Erie County Government, Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority, GECAC, and other supportive individuals and organizations that have recognized the need to address employability issues for our disconnected youth population aged 14-21.

Job Placement/Matching: Youth are matched with employers based on employer specifications, geographic proximity, and availability of reliable transportation for youth.

Staff Support: GECAC staff works directly with youth and employers to provide communication, linkage, and job placements, as well as to troubleshoot and problem-solve any challenges that arise during the summer.

Program Timeline:
April 10 or 11 Employer Virtual Information Session
May 16 Youth Applications Due
May 22 or 23 Employer Orientation
May 30 Employer Applications Due
June 9 or 10 Youth Orientation
August 4 Summer Program Ends

Youth Participant (Employee)

How To Apply

Reside in Erie County
Age 14-21
The family income is within 250% of federal poverty guidelines

To become an Earn+Learn youth participant, please complete the online application by May 16th.

YOUTH APPLICATION 2025

At the end of the application, you can schedule an appointment with the Earn+Learn staff to complete the rest of your application.

At your appointment please bring the following mandatory documents:

birth certificate
social security card
work permit
photo ID or school ID card
bank account information owned by the applicant (ex: voided check, direct deposit form from bank)

*If under 18, a parent or guardian is required to accompany you.

Orientation

Interested youth will be invited to an orientation to learn about available jobs, locations, placement potential, and required paperwork.

Erie 
Date:  June 9
Location:  TBD
Registration: 8 - 8:30 AM
Orientation:  8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Erie 
Date:  June 10
Location:  TBD
Registration: 8 - 8:30 AM
Orientation:  8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Corry, Union City, Wattsburg
Date:  June 10
Location:  TBD
Registration: 2:30 PM - 3 PM
Orientation:  3 - 5 PM       

Youth Pay

Tier 1:

Typically, ages 14-17 with little or no job experience.
$10/hour (180 hours total)
Focus on job readiness training, soft skills, and work experience.

Tier 2:

Typically, ages 16-21 with previous job experience or career-oriented.
$12/hour (180 hours total)
Focus on existing career opportunities in Erie County.

Business/Organization Participant (Employer)

How To Apply

Please complete the Employer Application by May 30^th.

Employer Application

Employer Virtual Informational Sessions

April 10, 3:30 - 4:00 PM
April 11, 3:30 - 4:00 PM

Orientation

Interested employers will be invited to an orientation to learn about procedures and required paperwork.

In-Person Session

May 22nd
9 - 11 AM
Location: GECAC, 18 West 9th Street, Erie PA

Virtual Session

May 23rd
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Link to be sent via email

Benefit to Employers

GECAC screens and trains the youth participating in the program and matches their skills and interests to a local business.
You help local youth learn valuable life skills and gain practical work experience.
You'll have an opportunity to see what local talent can offer and to introduce youth to potential career paths.
You'll be assigned a dedicated job site team advisor to ensure a successful experience for you and the youth worker.

Pay Tier 1: