Hello Community!
I?m so excited and proud to be one of the newest members of the Enterprise for Youth Board. The work that this organization does to help young people discover and prepare for career opportunities is something that is near and dear to my heart and at the core of Gap Inc.?s values of equality and opportunity. We could not succeed without exceptional people so we are passionate about investing in and promoting the advancement of people and communities.
Gap Inc. and Enterprise for Youth share a belief in the power of a first job ? its importance in providing young people with the experience and skills to succeed in work and life. In 2007, Gap Inc. launched?This Way Ahead?to give the next generation a way in and a way up. Enterprise for Youth has been a This Way Ahead partner since the program launched in San Francisco in 2010. This year, I?m proud to share that 93 young people recruited and trained by Enterprise for Youth will work in Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our goal is that by 2025, 5% of all entry-level new hires at Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic stores will be graduates of This Way Ahead. That?s about 5,000 people each year and Enterprise for Youth is an integral partner in helping us achieve and sustain this goal.
I love the partnership with Enterprise for Youth because there is nothing but upside ? Enterprise for Youth provides awesome youth workforce development programs, young people get first job opportunities, our Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic retail employees build their leadership and management skills by mentoring This Way Ahead participants, and Gap Inc. stores build a valuable talent pipeline of future employees. Wins all around!
I?m excited to share a special promotion that Gap is doing in San Francisco. From Monday, July 9 through Sunday, July 15, customers will get an extra 10% off their purchase at select Gap Specialty and Outlet stores in San Francisco when donating $5 or more to Enterprise for Youth. Spread the word…it?s time to go shopping!
I look forward to working more closely with the Enterprise for Youth community. Nothing inspires me more or makes me prouder than the work we are doing together to invest in our youth and make a difference in their lives.
Brent Hyder
EVP and Chief People Officer