7,000 Baltimore Youth Register for 
YouthWorks 2004 Summer Jobs

Baltimore, MD – After registration for YouthWorks, Mayor Martin O’Malley’s summer jobs program, ended on May 28, 2004, organizers tallied that a record 7,000 youth had applied. Last year, YouthWorks, coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, provided 5,797 youth ages 14 to 21 with public and private sector job opportunities.

“Clearly, our young people want to work,” says Mayor O’Malley. “Now we need the entire community – businesses, nonprofits, foundations, and other partners – to show that we support their initiative. All 7,000 registered youth can only be placed in jobs if we find enough jobs for them. Baltimore's youth can and will succeed, but their success is directly proportional to the investment we make in their lives.”

YouthWorks Chair Jim Hamlin explains, “The community can assist in two ways. Businesses can hire pre-screened youth for the summer. We’ll select youth best matched for the available jobs and arrange interviews between candidates and employers. And everyone – including individuals – can donate funds to support the salaries of youth who will work in community service jobs throughout the city. It costs approximately $1,000 to support a youth in a six-week work experience.”

“YouthWorks benefits the entire community,” says Alice Cole, director of career development services for the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “Youth explore careers, earn money, develop discipline and strengthen skills. Businesses help build their future workforce and customer base and benefit from a talented, energetic workforce. And all of us are enriched because our youth are safe and productive.”

For more information about supporting YouthWorks, potential contributors and employers are asked to call Alice Cole at 410-396-6722.