Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia Urban League Announces Water Bill Insert Program to support SWELP

COLUMBIA, SC – May 5, 2014 – Today, at press conference held in City Hall Council Chambers, Mayor Steve Benjamin and J.T. McLawhorn, president and CEO of the Columbia Urban League, discussed a water bill insert check off program in support of the Columbia Urban League’s Summer Work Experience Leadership Program (SWELP). 

“We’re very excited about this initiative and we hope everyone will participate,” said Mayor Benjamin. “This is about making a difference, saving lives, building our workforce and securing the future. All you have to do is check the box.”

The initiative will allow citizens to donate funds to support SWELP through a check off process on the City’s water bills. Columbia water customers will begin seeing these inserts this week.

Customers will receive a pledge card in the monthly water bill. The water account customer can select a donation amount, sign the card and return to the Customer Care Center. The donation amount will be reflected on the monthly water bill.

SWELP is an evidence-based, best-practice career development program for youth ages 14-19. SWELP provides 250-275 youth valuable work experience that helps foster a strong work ethic and self-esteem.

The purpose of this program is to provide primarily disadvantaged youth with summer work experience in an effort for them to gain the necessary fundamental skills they will need to ensure future employment opportunities.

In order to be eligible to participate in the program, interested youth must complete a SWELP application, which are available at the Columbia Urban League through May 31, 2014.

For more information on SWELP, please contact the Columbia Urban League at 803-799-8150 or visitwww.columbiaurbanleague.org.