Having experienced recent struggles in both attracting and retaining their workforce, Project Indy employer AMC Indianapolis 17 partnered with Mayor Hogsett’s youth jobs initiative to host an in-person hiring event at the theater. With Project Indy’s support in organizing and promoting the event to young people, the theater was able to conduct interviews and make offers to promising candidates like Samm Cherry, 17, a recent early graduate from George Washington High School. 

“We had just had a period where we were struggling to get applicants to come in and even the people that were coming in weren't sticking around,” said Jacob Harrison, HR Manager at AMC Indianapolis 17. “Project Indy helped us get in front of candidates like Samm, and it was clear in her interview by her confidence and interaction that she had prior experience and training in the workplace.” 

In partnering with Project Indy to hire in-school and out-of-school youth throughout Marion County, local employers provide employability skill development and job-readiness training to our future workforce. They also benefit by creating a talent pipeline for their business or industry. 

Out of nearly 20 candidates that participated in interviews at the event, 6 were offered positions and hired at the theater, including Samm. She credits a paid internship at the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) as vital in helping her begin to develop customer service skills and learn how to navigate the professional world. But after having that internship cut short due to funding issues, she jumped at the chance to participate in the AMC hiring event.  

“It was nice to apply and have the chance to interview right away, as it cut out a lot of the anticipation of applying for jobs and then having to wait,” said Cherry. “My parents have always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, so I made sure to come prepared with some questions for the interviewer.” 

With applications submitted to both Indiana University and the University of Illinois Springfield, her job at AMC has not only been important in giving her the opportunity to learn new practical skills like cashiering and cleaning but also has become a vital source of income as she saves for tuition and books. While aiming to pursue a degree in either business administration or business analytics, she’s glad to know that AMC’s transfer program will allow her to support herself in a new location if or when that time comes.   

Project Indy was launched in 2016 by Mayor Hogsett alongside EmployIndy, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), and the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY). Since its launch, Project Indy has empowered young adults in Marion County by providing work experiences that build their employability skills and allow them to explore new career fields. In 2024, over 1,575 young people in Indianapolis were connected to job opportunities through Project Indy. 

Youth interested in joining the Project Indy platform can get started by simply texting “ProjectIndy” to 317-659-9657 or visiting projectindy.net.