For Non-Profits

John Hancock invites your organization to apply for partnership in the 2012 MLK Summer Scholars program.  Organizations that are selected will be provided a $1,500 grant for each MLK Scholar position awarded. 

MLK Summer Scholars is open to teens, who are full-time residents of the City of Boston and preferably within the target range of 16–19.

The program will begin on Monday, July 9th, 2012 and will end on Friday, August 23rd. There will be a launch event on June 25th.

Friday Morning Workshops

Scholars are required to attend 7 Friday morning workshops from 9:30-11:30am.  The first Friday session will be on Friday, July 13, 2012 and the last one will be on Friday, August 17, 2012. 

If the workshop schedule does not fit your summer programming, we encourage you not to apply for partnership.  Attendance at the workshops is a critical element of this program.    

Youth Hiring

The hiring of Scholars is to be handled entirely by individual organizations.  John Hancock provides funding to enable organizations to hire teens to work for their organizations.  Organizations are given the flexibility to hire young people of their choosing so long as they meet the program's general requirements.  Organizations should start the application/hiring process once notified of our funding decision. 

Wages & Hours

MLK Summer Scholars must work in accordance with all Federal and State labor laws. 

MLK Summer Scholars must be paid a minimum of $8 per hour, and work approximately 20-25 hours per week, including the Friday workshops.   

Organization Application Process

Applications will be available to non-profit organizations on January 17, 2012.  Applications will be accepted through February 10, 2012.  Organizations will be notified on a rolling basis. 

Organizations accepted for partnership will be required to adhere to program requirements described in the Agreement. 

Please refer to the Commonwealth's Youth Employment Page for a breakdown of tasks, which may or many not be permitted for teen employees. 

Agreement

Not-for-profit organizations agree to do the following in order to ensure an appropriate and rich developmental experience for youth:

1. Recruit, identify and select appropriate youth.
2. Follow all Federal and State labor laws, including minimum wage laws.
3. Provide youth with substantive and engaging work, and with professional supervision and oversight throughout the summer.
4. Participate fully in the program:
1. Collect and provide to MLKSS basic data on each student.
2. Respond fully to MLKSS communications, requests and evaluation surveys (both organizationally and by participating youth).
3. Participate in non-profit partner orientation meeting(s).
4. Attend a press conference (date TBD)

Organizations are also responsible for ensuring their MLK Scholars fit the following criteria: 

1. Scholars are within target age range of 16–19.
2. Scholars are full-time residents of Boston.
3. All Scholars must be able to attend the Friday morning training workshops:

1. Time: Breakfast at 9:00am; Workshop from 9:30am–11:30am
   (the start time has been pushed back 30 minutes based on youth feedback).
2. Dates: Every Friday from July 13 through Friday, August 17.
3. Location:
   John Hancock Student Village, Agganis Arena
   Boston University,
   925 Commonwealth Ave
   Boston, MA 02215
   www.agganisarena.com

If your organization has any questions about its ability to meet the letter or spirit of the program, we encourage you to contact us directly before applying to discuss your concerns.