Baltimore Hosts First Annual YouthWorks “Race for Work”
Fundraiser for Youth Summer Jobs
 

Baltimore MD:

What: Local schools and families are invited to participate in a three-mile race and one-mile fun run or walk to help raise money for Baltimore’s YouthWorks summer jobs program. Schools and families can run as teams. All participants are eligible for exciting free giveaways, including a driver’s education lesson, airline tickets, gift cards and much more. Individuals are also encouraged to participate in this fun-filled family day.

When: Sunday, May 22, 2005 Rain or shine 
Race day registration is from 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. 
8 a.m. – 3-mile race begins; 8:30 a.m. – 1-mile fun run/walk begins 
For more information or to get a registration packet, call 410-396-JOBS (5627) or visit www.charmcityrun.com.

Where: Druid Hill Park, Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks Administration Building, 3001 East Drive, Baltimore, MD 21217 
Race and fun run/walk registration will be located at Recreation and Parks Bldg. On-street parking is available throughout the park.

Why: The annual YouthWorks summer jobs program secured employment opportunities for nearly 5,000 young people last summer. The YouthWorks 2005 goal is to find summer jobs for at least 5,500 Baltimore youth and raise $5 million. For every $1,000 raised, a young person between the ages of 14 and 21 will have a six-week summer job at a local nonprofit community organization or city agency.

Summer jobs help young people to build their career skills, inspire educational excellence, provide exposure to career options and stay safe and productive during the summer months. Hiring students also helps shape Baltimore’s future workforce and customer base for Baltimore area businesses.

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development provides a direct connection to student services and education for in-school and out-of-school youth ages 14 to 21 by linking them to academic support and career development opportunities. Youth services and programs available to Baltimore City teens through MOED’s many partnerships include the YouthWorks summer jobs program; Youth Opportunity for youth residing in Baltimore’s Empowerment Zone communities; the FUTURES year-round dropout prevention program with Baltimore City Public Schools; and the Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE), a new “innovation high school” operated by MOED and the Sar Levitan Center at The Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies. In addition, through the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act (WIA), MOED awards grants to nonprofit organizations for youth development programs in Baltimore City.