Meijer Doubles Commitment to Youth Employment Program

Doubling its commitment to the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based GRow 1000 summer internship program, Meijer will hire 100 young adults and donate $200,000 to the program to fund 100 additional paid internships at local nonprofit organizations and small businesses.

In the program’s first year, Meijer funded the salaries of 50 additional interns at local nonprofits.

“We know that building future leaders in our communities begins today,” Meijer President and CEO Rick Keyes said. “Hands-on work experience can make a big impact on a young person’s career path and we are pleased to be able to offer that opportunity to 200 Grand Rapids young people this summer whether their interests lie in retail or elsewhere.”

Through the GRow 1000 program, young adults ages 15 to 24 in Grand Rapids are given a six-week, 120-hour paid summer internship.

At Meijer, the summer interns rotate between positions, including in service and as a greeter. “They help you find out what you are good at—what your strengths are and weaknesses,” said Rachel, a Grow 1000 participant, in a video released by Meijer.

“We’re showing the community that we care about them and that we aren’t forgetting anybody,” said Meijer Team Leader Rufeeshia Black, who served as a mentor in 2020 to the student participants in her store. “We want them to be part of the store. They are what makes this company better.”