DETROIT (WWJ) - It's a program that has helped thousands of Detroit kids find summer jobs.

On Friday the city of Detroit kicked off its Grow Detroit's Young Talent Program, which helps teens and young adults find jobs.

Young people age 14 1o 24 who are looking for summer work can apply at the Grow Detroit's Young Talent website now until May 1.

“Having a summer job is about so much more than just earning money” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Grow Detroit's Young Talent is changing lives. One day, hundreds of future leaders will look back at their time with GDYT as the experience that set them on their path to success."

In 2019, 8,281 Detroit youth were employed at 548 work sites through GDYT. Prior to the launch of GDYT in 2015, approximately 2,500 Detroit youth would have summer jobs each year through a series of smaller independent programs.

The program is in its sixth year.

"Grow Detroit's Young Talent is playing an important role in developing the workers of tomorrow and giving them more access to economic opportunity,” said Mary Culler, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Detroit Development Director. "We are excited that part of our support to GDYT will be for a masonry apprentice program at Michigan Central Station. These youth will help bring back a Detroit icon while gaining important skills for the future.”

Applicants and employers can sign up at www.GDYT.org.