As part of Workforce Development Week (July 11 – 15) – an effort by the Workforce Development Council of the US Conference of Mayors to promote the efforts of Workforce Development Boards across the country – we are proud to say that ever year our summer youth jobs program is a success. The Summer Youth Earn & Learn Employment Program links young adults and youth to summer employment and pays participants for 20 hours weekly at minimum wage for up to seven weeks. This year’s program began the first week in July.
The summer jobs youth receive is typically their first meaningful, paid work experience. Youth accepted into the program complete work-readiness workshops to ensure they know what is expected in professional work environments. During their summer employment, they learn on-the-job skills under the supervision of their work sites. Whether in a law office, hospital, manufacturing plant, small business, government agency, or non-profit, their work often helps employers tackle projects that would not otherwise be completed. A number of the older youth receive job offers for full-time year-round employment. This is a key indicator that their employers were pleased with the experience.
Nationally, over 5 million young people ages 16 to 24 are both out of school and out of work – a statistic with dire economic and social consequences. Our youth workforce investments help prepare young people for post-secondary education and career-ladder employment.
There has been a nearly 40% decline in youth employment over the past 12 years. The WorkPlace partners with the business community to provide meaningful, paid work experiences to help young people develop the skills necessary to succeed in today’s world of work.
Youth who work are more likely to return to school, have a job in subsequent years, and earn more money over the course of their lives. They are also less likely to engage in crime and other high-risk behaviors.