What is MatchBridge?
MatchBridge is a community project of United Way of the Bay Area, created in partnership with the city of San Francisco to augment and coordinate private sector participation in the youth employment system. MatchBridge goals are:
- Increase employment opportunities for San Francisco’s youth (ages 16-21)
- Supply the business community with trained and enthusiastic entry-level workers
Who participates in the Summer Jobs Campaign?
Over 100 Bay Area employers—large, medium and small, public and private—have hired MatchBridge members since the organization’s launch in 2005. Jobs range from data entry clerk to lab assistant to help desk technician to customer service associate and on.
What is the duration of the Summer Jobs program?
Most jobs start on the first Monday after the end of the school year (June 16) or after the Fourth of July holiday. Most programs will end the first full week of August (8th), though many youth are also available and willing to continue working on a part-time basis into the school year.
Where do the youth come from? Do they know anything about my industry?
All MatchBridge members are San Francisco residents or students, many coming from SFUSD or one of over 70 youth workforce development programs. MatchBridge staff screen all our youth members to ensure they are entry-level work ready, as well as to identify their career interests and experience. Membership is free. Some members have chosen career pathways in areas such as health care, financial services, technology, law, travel and tourism, construction, environmental science, and media. Every summer job provides an opportunity to learn workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
Will I be able to interview youth?
Yes. MatchBridge can help you to coordinate interviews so that you can select the youth that best meets your needs. If an interview is not possible, MatchBridge can identify one of our members for you based on your hiring criteria.
How much should we pay the youth? How many hours a week do they work?
Wages vary by industry, as well as a youth’s age and work experience. Most employers pay between $10 and $12 per hour, depending on the job and the youth’s skill level. All employers must pay at least the San Francisco minimum wage, which is currently $9.79 per hour. Youth generally work between 20 and 30 hours per week, depending on the amount of work available.
What kind of support can I expect from MatchBridge throughout the summer?
MatchBridge staff will be available to you and our members throughout the summer. MatchBridge can help develop appropriate job descriptions, solve problems, and answer any questions you may have.
Why is youth employment important?
Work experience makes a significant and lasting impression on a young person’s life through
- exposure to various industries and career paths
- connecting classroom learning and reinforcing the relevance of education
- allowing youth to develop skills necessary for life-long success
- bolstering the local economy
How can MatchBridge members contribute to the workplace?
MatchBridge members can fill a variety of “entry level” positions increasing your productivity. In addition, hiring a MatchBridge member gives your employees an opportunity to develop mentoring and leadership skills.
How does MatchBridge identify its members?
MatchBridge partners with San Francisco Unified School District and community based youth workforce development programs. These partners serve as “access points” for youth to apply for MatchBridge positions. The youth are screened per MatchBridge standards for work readiness, ability and interest. Based on their skills, the youth are then referred to either an appropriate job opening or more training.
Who’s eligible for membership?
Any young person between the ages of 16-21 who lives or goes to school in San Francisco and who is legally eligible to work in the United States. Referrals from our Youth Access Point Partners are given preference during screening.
Who makes the final decision about who works for my company?
You will make the hiring decisions. MatchBridge will work to ensure your needs are met throughout the process, starting with establishing clear requirements for referrals.
Do MatchBridge youth have to be placed on our company payroll?
MatchBridge offers payrolling services through one of our partners – Premier Staffing. A bundled fee including: workers compensation, unemployment insurance, all other relevant payroll taxes, and competitive administrative costs. There is a 30% fee associated with this service. Interested parties should contact MatchBridge staff at our hotline (415) 861-JOBS.
How much should I pay MatchBridge youth workers?
Naturally the wage you offer will vary with the position. As our youth are screened and trained to make valuable contributions to your day-to-day operations, the average pay is higher than minimum wage (for example, office support wages range from $10-15/hour).
Is MatchBridge only focused on summer employment?
No, just as businesses need to hire year-round, MatchBridge works to refer youth well beyond just the summer months. Many young San Franciscans are interested in working throughout the school year.
My company already has an internship/youth employment program. Why would I want to work specifically with MatchBridge?
MatchBridge is an intermediary organization created to ensure that San Francisco businesses have positive experience with youth employment. Benefits of working with MatchBridge include:
- Referrals of qualified youth
- On-going follow-up and support
- Information about relevant child labor laws and hiring tax credits
- Payrolling services
- Recognition as active participants in the development of San Francisco’s youth
How are MatchBridge supporters recognized?
Our supporters are acknowledge in a variety of ways including:
- Marketing Communications
- Media Outreach and Education
- Networking with civic and business leaders