MIFA Teen Job Services

MIFA Teen Job Services (TJS) is an intensive, one-year job readiness/ training program, with emphasis in the areas of education, job readiness training, and job placement. Each TJS class is open to 40 students.

Priority will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:
• Turn fifteen (15) years old by June 30 (between July 1992 and June 1993 for class of 2008)
• Attend one of the designated schools (Central High, Booker T. Washington High, Middle College High, or Hollis F. Price High School) or live in 38126 zip code
• Qualify based on family income guidelines
• Complete Teen Job Services application   Download application now
• Submit a letter of interest
• Submit most recent report card
• Have a 2.0 grade point average or above

The TJS program consists of:
• Interviews for job placement at affiliated work sites
• Two weeks of unpaid job training in June
• Six weeks of work (12 hours per week) beginning in July
• Up to eight hours of work per week, beginning in August
• One hour each week for mentoring, tutoring, or life skills education
• Monitoring performance in school through submission of report cards
• Available monthly mentoring when needed
• Education in financial literacy, such as budgeting, predatory lending, and bank accounts
• Case management, including regular meetings and at least two home visits
• Graduation ceremony in May
• Follow-up services, such as MIFA COOL, to assist in attaining higher education

Work Sites: All students work at non-profit agencies (including MIFA) and government agencies in the 38126 zip code. MIFA pays the students’ salaries.

Job Training & Life Skills: Through Life Skills training, students learn skills that increase job marketability through career development, work ethic, networking, job application processes, and effective communication. Students are tested before and after Life Skills training to gauge progress. Upon completion of the program, each student will be given a portfolio that includes a resume (diskette/paper), letters of recommendation, and other awards or recognition. 

Funding: Support for TJS is provided by the City of Memphis, Fred’s, Inc. and the Peyback Foundation. The Irvin Lansky Foundation provides funding for TJS and the COOL program. All other funds are generated through MIFA’s fundraising efforts.