As part of Bronx Week, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined business owners and students in announcing a new organization that aims to reduce the Bronx’s stubbornly high unemployment rate, which stands at six percent for the Bronx.

The Bronx Private Industry Council (PIC) is leading the fight. Founded by HERE TO HERE, a Bronx non-profit that helps with economic development issues, PIC looks to create a pipeline between high school students and potential employers. It differs from the ordinary summer-youth employment program, according to PIC executive director Eddie Summers.

“They get special development opportunities throughout their experience, whether its social skills, whether it’s learning how to interact with different kinds of people and diverse backgrounds,” Summers said.

Shamil Santos, a student intern from University Heights, was able to gain these lessons and learn about an industry she had very little knowledge of. Last summer she interned at Silvercup Studios,a film and television production studio, with locations in the Bronx and Long Island City. Interning at Slivercup was not only an eye-opening experience but a moneymaker. “I was able to buy my school clothes which helped my mom a lot,” Shamil said. She was able to see the different roles that went in the movies and see the possibilities of other careers, according to Shamil, who’s now interning at the Bronx Zoo where the event was held.

“I thought that in movies it’s only the director and actors, but there are so many different roles,” Shamil said.

Last summer, PIC had 257 paid student interns during their pilot program, with all participating employers saying they’d hire interns again. Currently, PIC has 22 partners that include Montefiore Health System, the Wildlife Conservation Society, FreshDirect, and Associated Supermarkets. They are hoping to add more businesses this year.

The event wrapped up with a video conference call with Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, congratulating PIC and also highlight the $50,000 in the New York State budget he earmarked to fund the initiative’s initial year.

Crespo regaled the audience with his story on finding an internship in state government that eventually led to a position at the office of then-Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

Sometimes it’s that first opportunity that makes a difference. Diaz Jr.’ first job was packing bags at the local grocery store. For Diaz this allowed him to buy movie tickets whenever he wanted. He even brought the most popular Adidas sneakers at the time.

Diaz Jr., who attended the announcement, highlighted the significance of having organization like PIC.

“Everybody wins. The youth will win, and you, as employers, will win. I am so ecstatic we were able to make this as part of Bronx Week,” Diaz Jr. said.

Bronx Week is a 40-year old tradition that celebrates the borough, through festivals, parade, live music, and an induction ceremony to honorees into the Bronx Walk of Fame.