Rendell: Summer Youth Program Exceeds Goal; Employs 9,200

HARRISBURG – Governor Ed Rendell has announced that more than 9,200 young people across the state are working this summer in jobs funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — exceeding the original goal of 8,600.

“Because of funding from the Recovery Act, this year we have more than four times the 2,205 youth who were able to participate last year,” Governor Rendell said.

“Being able to help more than 9,200 young people secure jobs in the midst of a recession is a prime example of how our economic recovery efforts are working. We are getting the money out, putting people to work and providing them with work experience opportunities they wouldn’t have without this funding.”

Governor Rendell was joined at the announcement by 20 Summer Youth Employment Program participants from the Harrisburg and York areas.

The statewide program, funded by $34.5 million awarded to local workforce investment areas according to a federal formula, will provide job training and education services for unemployed workers and young people between 14 and 24 seeking summer employment. The program focuses on at-risk youth, dropouts, teen parents and other youth with barriers to education and employment.

“Young adults are hit particularly hard by the national recession, which makes it especially important that we prepare them for the workforce,” Governor Rendell said. “The unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year-olds in Pennsylvania is nearly 19 percent and nearly 13 percent for those ages 20 to 24, compared to a 7 percent rate for those ages 25-plus.

“The summer youth program helps us place young people into what – in many cases – is their first exposure to the workplace, and does so in a way that can help develop interest in careers in some of Pennsylvania’s most important industries,” the Governor said.

“As evidenced by the young people here today and those working throughout the state, the summer youth employment program is an ideal way to build vocational skills, earn money and develop a sense of pride in what they are contributing to the labor force and society.”

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