Please read the information below before applying. It will give you a better feel for the program and whether you want to participate. It also explains eligibility requirements.
MISSION:
The Detroit Youth Energy Squad empowers young people to make homes more energy efficient and pursue successful, sustainable careers.
ELIGIBILITY:
You must be 14-18 as of July 1st, 2009 and be a resident of Detroit. You do not need to be in school. Youth who currently receive social services (such as energy or food assistance) or face other challenges (e.g. foster home or homelessness, teen parent, learning disabilities, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply.
All crew members must complete an application, provide two outside references (e.g. teachers, coaches, youth leaders, employers). No prior experience is necessary, only a high level of motivation and commitment to be a reliable and respectful crew member. All crew members must pass a background check; a minor criminal record will not disqualify you from participating.
SESSION DETAILS:
1) The session runs from Monday, July 6th through Friday, August 21st. Attendance is mandatory and unexcused lateness or absence will result in a dock in pay and or dismissal from the program.
2) The program runs Monday through Friday 8:00am to 3:45pm.
3) A one-week, unpaid training from July 6th - July 10th is included.
4) Each of the six work weeks (July 13th - Aug 21st) include 20 hours per week of paid work ($7.50 / hr) and 15 hours of academic and career development. Participation in all aspects of the program is mandatory. Pay checks will be issued at the end of July and August.
5) Crew members are responsible for transportation to and from the program site (location to be determined) and for bringing lunch and snacks each day. Crew members may receive referrals to find assistance with costs of food and transportation.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
D-YES trains youth ages 14-18 to perform basic home energy retrofits, such as insulating hot water pipes and tanks, installing programmable thermostats, weatherizing doors and windows, and installing water conservation devices. These actions help families save 15-20% on their energy bills, or about $400 per year. D-YES crew members also communicate the benefits of energy efficiency, help families understand their energy bills and develop a household action plan to save energy. Crew members do not need any previous experience, only a desire to learn and succeed. D-YES is a program for both sexes, and young women are especially encouraged to apply. These skills are easy to learn and are directly relevant to many green jobs such as energy auditing, weatherization, green building, and the alternative energy sector.
Crews will work in teams of two crew members and one adult leader. Monday through Thursday, each crew will retrofit two homes, with each lasting about 2.5 hours. Afternoons will be spent on program-related projects and academics, and Fridays will be used for career and leadership development (field trips, workshops, etc.)