Registration Begins Today for YouthWorks 2004 Summer Jobs

Baltimore, MD – Applications for Mayor Martin O’Malley’s YouthWorks summer jobs program are available now through May 28, 2004 for Baltimore City youth ages 14 to 21. This program, coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, connects youth to positions with area businesses, organizations and government agencies. The jobs pay at least minimum wage and generally last for at least six weeks. Last year, 5,797 youth were provided with job opportunities through YouthWorks. Students worked in myriad industries such as telecommunications, retail, law, and hospitality. Other participants operated their own businesses or attended special classes at participating colleges.

“YouthWorks benefits both youth and their employers,” says Alice Cole, director of career development services for the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “The youth develop and strengthen skills, explore careers they might never have imagined for themselves, find mentors, and earn paychecks. The participating businesses discover a talented, dedicated and energetic labor pool, help shape the future workforce and learn more about the challenges facing today’s youth.”

Applications for youth employment are available from most Baltimore City public middle and high schools, many area faith institutions, all Mayor’s Office of Employment Development Career Centers, and at Coppin State College and Baltimore City Community College. A complete list of application distribution sites is available at www.oedworks.com. To be eligible to participate in the program’s annual career fair, youth ages 16 and older must submit their applications by April 1. The general application deadline is May 28.

To register for the program, youth must bring their completed applications, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and another form of identification (e.g., Maryland ID, school ID or report card) to an MOED Career Center. Older youth participating in the program, those age 16 and older, must complete work readiness training (scheduled for April 5 to April 9), or be certified by their schools as work ready, prior to a Career Fair (on May 12 ) where they can meet with employers and interview for jobs.

For more information, youth seeking employment should call 410-396-JOBS (5627) or visit an MOED Career Center. Businesses and organizations interested in supporting YouthWorks as a contributor or employer should call 410-396-6722.