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Youth

PepsiCo Invests in Workforce Readiness Programs for Black and Hispanic Youth in Chicago

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Chicago-based leading organizations and PepsiCo are joining forces to provide free, experiential programs aimed at increasing workforce readiness among Black and Hispanic youth. The initiative, part of PepsiCo's PREP program, aims to promote safety and build real-world professional connections through behind-the-scenes laboratory visits, in-person job shadowing, and civic leadership opportunities. The programs, valued at $130,000, will be offered to youth on the South and West Sides of Chicago, providing a unique chance for them to explore various career paths, develop essential skills, and make meaningful connections in the food and beverage industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PREP program is a $5 million initiative over five years, focusing on increasing access to high-quality careers among Black and Hispanic young people on Chicago's South and West Sides.
  • The program will offer various free summer learning and career development opportunities, including hands-on field trips, career shadowing experiences, internship opportunities, and civic leadership programs.
  • Eight youth will be selected for summer internships at PepsiCo, working alongside the company's brands and leaders from Gatorade, PepsiCo Beverages North America, and Quaker Oats.
  • UCAN will offer interactive Career Exploration Fairs this summer for youth ages 16-24, led by PepsiCo volunteers, which will provide a look into multiple career paths, soft skills training, and leadership skills development.
  • Imagine Englewood if will bring youth to PepsiCo's corporate offices at the Old Post Office throughout the summer, gaining experiential career exposure, shadowing jobs in Gatorade, Quaker, and other PepsiCo brands.
  • The PepsiCo Foundation has provided more than 250,000 servings of nutritionally balanced meals since establishing a presence in Chicago and will continue to provide meals this summer through partnership with Girls in the Game, Boys Club of Cicero, and other Chicago nonprofits.
  • For the second year in a row, PepsiCo is partnering with the Juneteenth Illinois Initiative by investing in its scholarship and mentorship program for college-bound students from Chicago's South and West Sides.

Statistics:

  • The PREP program has invested $130,000 in new grants for summer youth engagement programs.
  • PepsiCo has committed over $5 million to the PREP program over five years to increase access to high-quality careers among Black and Hispanic young people.
  • PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio.
  • PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
  • The PepsiCo Foundation has provided more than 250,000 servings of nutritionally balanced meals since establishing a presence in Chicago.

Sources:

  • PR Newswire, "PepsiCo Invests in Workforce Readiness Programs for Black and Hispanic Youth in Chicago" (June 7, 2022)
  • PepsiCo, Inc.

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