BELMONT, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 26, 2016) - Every child dreams of what the future may hold, but they need the right tools and resources to make their dreams a reality. Today Genesys Works, a nonprofit focusing on providing disadvantaged youth with tech training and meaningful internships, has partnered with Zum, an on-demand ride service for kids, to help underserved high school students take advantage of these important job opportunities. Rides are an essential component to help make the Genesys Works program successful and students' dream of a professional career a reality.
Genesys Works currently has more than 100 students throughout the Bay Area participating in its workforce development program, where students learn valuable skills and gain real world experience. 27 local companies employ Genesys Works students, including top corporations such as PG&E, Salesforce, and Kaiser Permanente.
"Transportation to the internships is a huge challenge for our students, most of whom don't drive or have access to a car," said Peter Katz, Genesys Works Bay Area's executive director. "Companies are spread out around the Bay, public transportation can take hours and other on-demand ride services can only take riders over 18. If our students can't get to their jobs easily, the whole program falls apart. Zum is the perfect solution. For many students, these fantastic internships would not be possible without access to Zum's services."
Currently, Zum provides hundreds of rides weekly to students around the area, taking them from their high schools to their jobs. "We are so proud to work with Genesys Works and all of the local students working so hard each day to reach their goals," said Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum. "We started this company to empower parents and their children to grow and participate in all activities they need to be successful. We are glad we can remove the transportation barrier for these deserving students and help them take advantage of these wonderful opportunities."
With many miles between home, school and internships, Zum's transportation services have been crucial to making these internships work, getting students to their destination quickly and safely. One student, Kateryn, describes how transportation issues have hindered her in the past. "My mom was determined that we get the best education, so she was always looking for the best public schools for us. We lived near Daly City, but ended up going to high school at George Washington, out by the Presidio. I had to wake up at 5 a.m. and leave the house by 6 a.m. every morning. It took two buses and an hour and 40 minutes to get there."
Genesys Works will host its annual Breaking Through ceremony on Wednesday, October 26. The event celebrates the transformation of 105 high school students to young professionals. For more information about the event or to learn how you can attend, click here. To learn more about Genesys Works, click here.
To learn more about Zum and its mission to empower families, click here. For additional information, parents can download the Zum app for iOS, Android or visit the website.
About Zum
Zum is the leading provider of safe, reliable transportation and care for kids. Zum meets the needs of busy families with a simple mobile app for scheduling and tracking the progress of rides, flexible ride options and care services. Families work with a limited pool of drivers and are supported by a Dedicated Family Assistant for optimal convenience. For more information, parents can download the Zum app for iOS, Android or visit www.ridezum.com.
About Genesys Works
Genesys Works, established in Houston in 2002 and now with locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and the Nation's Capital, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The program enables underserved youth to change their life trajectory through practical skills training, a yearlong meaningful internship with a major corporation, and college and career preparation.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Erica Zeidenberg
925-631-0553