The city of Jacksonville is launching a new program called Operation Boost. It’s designed to help low income residents find employment opportunities and get training to help them secure higher paying jobs.
All of the events are free and open to the public, but training opportunities and scholarships will only be made available to those who apply for them.
Construction, health care, information and technology, education and public safety are some of the industries that will be represented at the Operation Boost events:
The first event will be held on Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clanzel T. Brown Community Center at 4575 Moncrief Rd.
The second event is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, at the Mary Lena Gibbs Community Center at 6974 Wilson Blvd.
The third and final event is set to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, at the Flossie Brunson Eastside Park at 1050 Franklin Street.
“It’s targeted for underprivileged people, but anyone who thinks they need a boost to get to the next level can apply for it,” said City Council Vice President Sam Newby, an at-large council member who represents the urban core and many of its surrounding neighborhoods.
The number of slots for training and scholarships is limited. Newby expects the first 50 applicants in each category to be approved.
“If this program is successful, we’re going to definitely do another Operation Boost,” Newby said. “Hopefully, even as I’m leaving, the next council person or someone will pick it up because we have to give our constituents a chance and I think this is a first step to give them a chance to make a better life for themselves.”
Operation Boost is sponsored by the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College at Jacksonville and Workforce Industrial Training.
Social distancing will be enforced at each of the events and masks are encouraged.
To register for one of the events, click here.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
