By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

Posted 06-03-09

 

 

More than twice as many youths as last year will have a shot at jobs in 2009.

 

Summer Youth Works program, central Ohio leaders said at a news conference on Tuesday at the Jerry Hammond Center of E. Broad Street.

 

The increase is made possible because of money from the federal stimulus package, Mayor Michael B. Coleman said.

 

Federal funds for summer youth programs had dried up in the past eight years, but have been restored under the Obama administration.

 

In the absence of federal money, the city and county worked with the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corp. to set up its own summer jobs program.

 

Last year, it served 1,100 young people. This year, the number jumps to 2,500, the most since the '90s, Coleman said.

 

Part of the effort is directed to 14- to 18-year-old high schoolers, and the rest, 18- to 24-year-olds, said Suzanne Coleman-Tolbert, president and CEO of JOBLeaders.

 

It's best if those interested in employment are referred by one of the participating vendors, she said. They are Columbus City Schools, Columbus State Community College, Neighborhood House, Acloche, Wright Choice, Goodwill Industries, Godman Guild, J. Asbhurn Jr. Youth Center, Columbus Urban League and Henkels & McCoy.

 

Many of the positions are "green" jobs, preparing for careers of the future, said Paula Brooks, president of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.

 

Some slots are devoted to on-the-job training with Premier Data Systems, Safelite Auto Glass and the Child Development Council.

 

Applications will be taken through July 1 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

For additonal information, call 614-236-JOBS (5627) or visit

summeryouthworks@cowic.org.