WILMINGTON, DE – On Wednesday, March 23rd, Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) and the Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County, partnered to host a job fair for youth ages 14 and up. Nearly 200 New Castle County students flooded Goodwill’s Community Room, ready to meet employers and complete applications for immediate and summer hire.

The event featured a list of more than 50 employers offering on-site interviews, mobile application stations, gift cards, and giveaways for participating students.  Popular vendors included American Pool, Chick-fil-A, New Castle County, Old Navy, Starbucks, ShopRite, and the YMCA. “This was such a great idea and a wonderful opportunity for students” expressed an employer from SummerCollab. “The energy was amazing,” exclaimed another from the Goodwill of Delaware.

JDG also sponsored ten $250 sign-on bonuses for students who attended the fair, completed a Virtual Prep Session hosted by JDG, received a job offer from a participating employer, and provides proof of employment after 30 days on the job. “I can’t believe I got it! I got a job!” expressed 14-year-old Suekanya Dillard from William Penn High School, as she called home to notify her mother of her recent hire. “This is was the best night ever!”

With many businesses looking to recover from the residual effects of the pandemic, this event was a timely collaboration between two organizations whose missions are rooted in workforce development, skill retention, and job placement assistance