The Work First Recruitment Team has been receiving emails from candidates in the past few days asking for updates on the recruitment process. We understand that this is a time of much uncertainty and confusion, especially for those who are currently in the job search process or soon-to-be graduating. We want to ensure everyone that the Work First Fellowship recruitment process is still moving forward, and the 2020-2021 Work First Fellowship is fully anticipated to go on as planned. We are constantly monitoring the situation for updates and will be in touch with all candidates if anything changes.
However, with COVID-19 continuing to impact our operations, the timeline for recruitment may be negatively affected over these next few weeks as our staff work to adjust to changes in operations. What does this mean? While the recruitment process is still moving forward, it may take longer than usual to reply to emails, schedule interviews, or follow-up with next steps. We ask for your continued patience as we work to keep things moving forward, and appreciate your understanding during this time. No matter what, we hope to have final decisions by early May 2020, if possible.
In the meantime, feel free to keep sending questions or concerns to recruitment@theworkfirst.org, and we will do our best to respond when we can. And please -- stay safe, stay home, and stay healthy!
To end this update on a hopeful note, one of our Work First Fellows put together a resource on accessing free internet during this time. With so many jobs, schools, and even our own career services moving to remote and online spaces, the problem of internet inequality throughout the US has never been more stark. Low-income and less-affluent individuals are already among the most at-risk during this period of COVID-19, and ensuring equal access to the internet throughout this time is paramount to making sure that the most vulnerable populations of our country are not left even further behind.
Fortunately, many telecommunications companies have signed the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge and promised to not cut broadband, wi-fi, or telephone services and waive any late fees for the next 60 days. Several companies have gone even further, offering free home internet set-up, reduced rates, or free mobile data packages. Check out the full list of resources below or on Twitter (@TheWorkFirst), and be sure to share with anyone who might need them:
