On Monday, Temple University and the offices of Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke and State Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen hosted a community job fair to provide employment opportunities for members of the North Philadelphia community.

Held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mitten Hall’s Great Court, the event attracted more than 46 employers, including Walmart, SEPTA, the Philadelphia Police Department, CBS Radio, the Philadelphia International Airport and RAM Technologies.

Attendees from the community were able to interact directly with company representatives and apply for open positions immediately at one of several computer stations set up nearby.

“Most jobs you have to apply online,” said Sen. Kitchen. “I'm really glad that computers are here so that the people have access (and) actually apply today.”

“People are really excited,” said Councilman Clarke. “They're bringing their resumes, they're dressed for success.”

Job fair organizers said events like this are especially important at a time when many members of the community are recovering from a shaky economy.

“I have been looking for a job for awhile,” said attendee Tanisha Wright, who is seeking employment in the healthcare industry. “I try to attend every event like this that I can.”

“We think this is an important way for Temple to connect employers and people who are seeking jobs,” said Beverly Coleman, assistant vice president of Community Relations and Economic Development. “This is a great opportunity for us to collaborate with the public sector and bring employers into this community,” she said.

The event is one component of a full program of workforce activities offered by the university.

“Temple University has a significant number of social programs that they interact with the local residents,” said Clarke. “Having been a lifelong resident of North Philadelphia I've seen some of the great things they do.”