Article Contributed on: 6/5/2009 10:32:56 AM
Youth have options for summer jobs
Local employers in
Arapahoe and
Douglas counties will have the option to hire summer interns whose pay will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. .
In a partnership with Win at Works!, local employers were invited to participate in the temporary program that will put youth ages 14 to 24 to work through September 30.
Youth team coordinator Kim Amidei said more than 100 companies have applied and the program hopes to put 400 young people to work. Funding for the project is $892,665.
Participating companies include the Medical Center of Aurora, Waner Construction, the City of Lone Tree, the Broker restaurant, Data Man, Project CURE, Arapahoe Library District, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and Futurity First Insurance.
"We're also working with the South Metro Denver Chamber Student Leadership Program and the Aurora Chamber," Amidei said.
There are specific guidelines and requirements for those who want to apply and orientation sessions are held three times a week at the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! workforce center.
Applicants must commit to 25 hours per week at minimum wage, which is $7.28 per hour.
In a statement, Arapahoe County Commissioner Jim Dyer said, "Win at WORKS! will cover the cost of the intern's wages and your company will benefit from a passionate and productive youth who can provide summer support and enter our workforce with relevant skills."
Amidei said interns would not be placed in fast food or retail environments.
"Win at WORKS! provides a paid internship position. The program would like the youth to have an employment experience and learn work readiness skills rather than have a traditional summer job," Amidei said.
A restriction for employers is that internship positions must be newly created and cannot displace an existing employee. Because it is a federally funded program, males 18 and older must be registered with Selective Service.
www.sss.govwww.govif
Since those as young as 14 may apply, transportation to and from work is handled in different ways. Amidei said the goal is to place the youth as close to their residence as possible, so their parents can take them and pick them up.
"We also provide some of the workers with bus passes," Amidei said.
Youth must attend an orientation session to find out if they qualify. Family income, and existing barriers such as being homeless or a foster child, pregnant, disabled or deficient in basic skills would meet the criteria.
Documentation must be provided such as social security card, a photo ID, income verification and a letter from a state governed institution if the youth is an offender or foster child.
Amidei said the goal was for participants to gain a meaningful work experience.
more info
What: Summer Youth Works! program orientation to determine eligibility sessions
When: Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: 5500 S. Quebec Ave, Greenwood Village
Contact: For more information, call 303-636-1260 or visit
www.adworks.org/Youth