Pratt Northam Foundation Announces Suspension of Workership and Careers Here Youth Employment Programs for 2020

In these new and uncertain times that we are all facing with the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pratt Northam Board of Directors has made the decision to suspend the Foundations Workership and Careers Here Youth Employment Programs for 2020.

While the North Country region of NY has started the first phase of reopening, there is still much uncertainty as to when and how local businesses will be able to open. If things go well it will be weeks, if not months, before all phases have started up. At any time, setbacks can occur if virus levels spike. Because we take the health and wellbeing of our students very seriously and because of the uncertainty of timing with phased reopening, the Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to suspend the funding of these programs for 2020.

The Workership Program was started in 1981 to replace the Foundations existing college scholarship program. The Workership Program would allow more students to earn money for college expenses while providing students with work experience in their area of study. The Careers Here Program goes even further because it is a student driven program and BOCES students are eligible to participate in this summer employment program.

This year the Foundation sponsored 36 Workership (full and part time) positions at 24 sites and 18 Careers Here positions at a cost $181,559.69.  Sites funded for 2020 will have their positions grandfathered in for 2021.

The Pratt Northam Foundation remains committed to these programs and the opportunities they provide, not only to the students but the community at large. The Foundations Directors are looking towards the future and working in ways to help these programs thrive.  For any questions or concerns please contact Karen S Petersen, Executive Director for the Foundation, (315) 804-0312 or email prattnortham@gmail.com.