Job applicants wait their turn at a career fair hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. (Photo by Sue Vliet)

Hundreds of applicants vied for 50 positions at local Boys & Girls Clubs at a recent career fair. The oldest and largest youth-serving nonprofit agency in the area, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee employs more than 700 people.

The organization has successfully hosted similar events to hire summer staff, but the recent event surpassed previous turnouts and expectations, said Jacqueline Zeledon, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee communications manager.

“One, it shows that there are a lot of Milwaukee people looking for work. Two, it speaks to [Boys & Girls Clubs’] name and reputation,” Zeledon said.

About 265 applicants attended the career fair at the organization’s Mardak Administration & Training Center, 1558 N. 6^th St.

A job-seeker registers with Katie Stromwell at the career fair. (Photo by Sue Vliet)

Like the children Boys & Girls Clubs serve, career fair applicants were diverse in age and skills. Available positions required degrees ranging from a high school diploma or GED equivalent to a master’s degree, according to Zeledon.

Boys & Girls Clubs representatives searched for candidates displaying advanced skills and qualifications in youth development.

“The staffers are what keep young people coming back,” Zeledon said. “We want to make sure we have enough young adults to serve our members – that’s critical.”

Sixty-nine applicants were invited for final interviews for the positions. Those who were not chosen for interviews were notified by mail, according to Anton Timms, recruitment and volunteer service manager.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee operate at 38 sites, including six primary locations, 30 school sites, two camps and an extension site at St. Charles Youth and Family Services, 151 S. 84^th Str. The clubs offer after-school and summer programming for children ages 5-18 who face major life obstacles, such as poverty. Annual membership to the clubs is $5 per child, but no one is turned away based on inability to pay.