Arapahoe/Douglas Works! invites local employers to host summer interns by partnering with Win At WORKS!, a youth workforce training experience made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Participating employers will give local youth an opportunity to gain job ready skills and help them to become valuable assets of the community.

Win at WORKS! provides eight-week, part-time paid internships to eligible youth, ages 14 to 24. Employers may arrange to host an intern anytime during the program period, which runs from June 1 to September 30. Participants are required to commit to 25 hours per week at minimum wage. All wages will be paid by A/D Works using $892,665 of economic stimulus funds designated for this purpose.

"We urge employers to embrace this unique opportunity to invest in local youth by making a short-term part-time internship available at your place of work," said Arapahoe County Commissioner Jim Dyer. " Win at WORKS! will cover the cost of the intern's wages, and your company and industry will benefit from a passionate and productive youth who can provide summer support, and ultimately enter our workforce with relevant skills."

Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! is seeking employers in industries related to energy, construction, bioscience, healthcare, information technology and finance, as well as non-profit and small business. Interns will not be placed in fast-food or retail environments.

Due to the designation of the funding for workforce readiness training, each internship position must be one that is newly-created and cannot displace an existing or anticipated employee.

All participants will be assessed on their job skills and will receive work readiness training, including resume and cover letter writing, professional dress and etiquette and interview skills. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! will match candidates based on their interest and proximity to the job, but employers are welcome to interview one or more candidates for a position.

If you are an employer or eligible youth who is interested in participating in Win at WORKS!, please contact Arapahoe/Douglas Works! at 303-636-1260 or visit www.adworks.organd click on the "Youth in the Works!" icon.