YouthWorks 2005 seeks funding and summer jobs for Baltimore’s youth

BALTIMORE – YouthWorks, Mayor Martin O’Malley’s annual summer jobs program, secured employment opportunities for nearly 5,000 young people last summer. This year’s goal is to find summer jobs for at least 5,500 Baltimore youth and raise $5 million for the YouthWorks 2005 program.

“We must find enough jobs for our young people - jobs that will build their skills, inspire educational excellence, expose them to career options and keep them safe and productive this summer,” said Karen Sitnick, director, Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, which coordinates YouthWorks along with the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board Youth Council and other workforce partners. “Hiring students is good business because it helps shape the future workforce and customer base. For the nonprofit and government sectors, young people work on projects that improve the quality of life in the Baltimore community. The success of this program is critical to the success of our youth and future workforce.”

YouthWorks connects young people age 14 to 21 to public and private sector employment. Youth age 16 and older must complete work readiness training (or they are certified by their schools as work ready) before participating in the annual YouthWorks Career Fair, to be held on May 12, 2005, where they will meet with employers and interview for summer jobs. Employers are invited to participate in the job fair by calling 410-396-JOBS(5627).

“We want to provide summer jobs for as many young people as possible,” said James Hamlin, YouthWorks Chair. “It costs about $1,000 to provide a six-week summer job for a student at a local nonprofit community organization, city agency or employer. Employers are encouraged to make a donation of any amount or hire a young person directly through our YouthWorks program.”

YouthWorks participants work in a variety of settings, including local hotels, restaurants, catering establishments and tourist attractions; health institutions, such as The Johns Hopkins Medical Systems, St. Joseph’s Hospital and University of Maryland; and at day care centers, recreation facilities, summer camps, retail stores, financial services companies and more.

“The whole experience is designed to foster pride and commitment. We are inspiring young people to value their work experiences and the life experiences they gain from working,” said Alice Cole, director of career development services for the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development.

To hire a young person, make a contribution or for more information about supporting YouthWorks 2005, please call 410-396-JOBS(5627) or email youthcareers@oedworks.com.