Pasadena Chamber Crowdfunds to Raise Money for Stipends for Summer Youth Interns

In partnership with the Pasadena Unified School District office of College and Career Pathways, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce placed fifty (50) student interns with local businesses this summer. When a promise of funding to support stipends for each of the students did not materialize, the Chamber chose to utilize crowdfunding through Go Fund Me to solicit financial support for the student interns. Through www.gofundme.com/pasadenayouthworks the Chamber is hoping to raise at least $10,000 or more to provide a small stipend for the 50 students placed through the effort.

Student interns are not employees. Internships are a way for young people to become acquainted with the work environment and learn about potential careers they may want to pursue once they leave school. Stipends re not salaries or pay for work, but rather a reward for completing the program, which includes classroom instruction with PUSD, supervised placements with local businesses and follow up with Chamber and PUSD staff.

All of the students are enrolled in Pasadena Unified School District and will be high school seniors next year.

“We had hoped to secure financial support through the Human Services and Recreation Department at the City of Pasadena, but couldn’t get over some procedural hurdles,” said Pasadena Chamber CEO Paul Little. “We wanted to provide some measure of support for the students and thought appealing to the community for help through Go Fund Me would be a way to fund modest stipends for these industrious students.”

The public can help provide that support for our local students by donating as little or as much as you can. Donations are tax-deductible. Donations can be made through the website at www.gofundme.com/pasadenayouthworks. Donations can be as small or as large as the donor chooses.

“We are seeking at least $10,000 to provide a small stipend for each of our student interns,” said Mr. Little. “Though we have many more deserving students and will distribute all the money raised to student interns. The effort is being led by a PUSD intern in our offices.”

Interns are spending the summer learning about our hospitality industry, law and government, health careers, public service, restaurant, business and much more.

The public is invited to support these students in their efforts and provide funding to modestly reward these deserving young people for their dedication and industriousness during the summer. 100% of funds received by the Chamber will be used to fund stipends for these students.

Everyone who donates will be recognized and thanked publicly.

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association is a professional business organization. Since the earliest days of Pasadena, the Chamber has played a major role in the development of this internationally renowned city. Since 1888, when the organization was founded as the Board of Trade, the Chamber’s primary purpose has been the enhancement of both the business climate and the quality of life in Pasadena. The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce serves more than 1400 members.