FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2009

CONTACT: Scott Peterson 443-740-4512

Mayor Dixon Thanks Congressional Delegation for YouthWorks Summer Jobs Support Baltimore’s Congressional delegation, represented by Senator Mikulski, Senator Cardin, Congressman Cummings and Congressman Sarbanes, instrumental in providing federal earmark to support green jobs

Baltimore, MD (July 20, 2009) – Mayor Sheila Dixon was joined by Baltimore City Council members Rochelle “Rikki” Spector and Sharon Green Middleton to thank U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin, Congressman Jon Sarbanes and other members of Baltimore’s Congressional Delegation for their support of close to 2,500 summer jobs for young people in Baltimore City. Included in those jobs is the Green Jobs Youth Corps – a partnership with the Department of Recreation and Parks – which provides six-week YouthWorks projects in “green” work areas such as horticulture, wildlife management and urban forestry. “I am grateful to the congressional delegation for bringing this much needed relief to Baltimore,” said Mayor Dixon. “Green jobs are the future, and 350 young people in Baltimore will get a head start this summer. A new generation of Baltimore residents can begin careers in the green economy long before their peers.” The 2009 YouthWorks program has offered summer job opportunities in private sector and nonprofit locations throughout the city to more than 7,000 youth and young adults, ages 14-24. Support from the business and philanthropic communities, as well as local government and individual citizens, has continued to be strong for this program. However, this year, for the first time in nearly a decade, the federal government is providing funding specifically for summer jobs. “The federal government has a responsibility to assist local communities in preparing young adults for employment,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin. “I am particularly pleased to have helped get federal funding for the Green Jobs Youth Corps program and funding that assists in employing some 7,000 young people in summer jobs this year.”

“Summer jobs for young people not only provide income, they lead to increased responsibility and provide training for future careers,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. “I know the YouthWorks program will do great things for Baltimore’s communities.” This year more than ever the YouthWorks theme, Summer Jobs are Everyone’s Business, describes the broad support the campaign has received. “Everyone, from the 100 employers who attended our career fair in April to the dozens of city and state agencies showing their active involvement, has pitched in to make this year’s program a great success,” said Mayor’s Office of Employment Development Director Karen Sitnick. “Baltimore is truly a model for other cities to find creative ways to expand opportunities that build our future workforce.” Today’s event was held on the grounds of Cylburn Arboretum, one of several locations in the city where YouthWorks participants in the Green Jobs Youth Corps are learning how to “go green” through hands-on experiences and educational programming that introduces them to environmental issues and careers. Recreation and Parks Director Wanda S. Durden stated, "Through this innovative green jobs program we will train the next generation of park professionals who will make our city a better place to live, work, earn and play." About YouthWorks: YouthWorks is operated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. YouthWorks participants are well-prepared, multi-skilled, and dependable high school and college students who are eager to work during the six-week program that began June 22, 2009, and will end on July 31, 2009. For more information about YouthWorks, call 410-396-6722 or visit www.oedworks.com. # # # Please visit our website at www.baltimorecity.gov