Summer program offers youth a chance to gain skills

SANDPOINT — Low-income youth 16 to 24 have a chance to learn valuable skills that can shape their future working careers during the Summer Youth Employment Program being sponsored by the Idaho Department of Labor.

The program, financed through the Workforce Investment Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is offering hundreds of young people the opportunity to work for a nonprofit organization or government agency for five to eight weeks beginning in May.

They will be paid the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour and be furnished needed work supplies like boots or work clothes. In return they will be supervised by the agency or organization, learning the importance of punctuality, showing initiative, developing relationships, completing tasks and other traits important to success in the future.

The jobs range from outdoor conservation projects and community based activities to indoor office work.

“We are connecting eligible youth people with worksites that match their interests and abilities and offer them an environment where they can get hands-on experience under the watchful eye of a skilled supervisor,” Department of Labor Director Roger B. Madsen said.

For details about this summer youth work experience, contact Lisa McLeod at 263-7544 ext. 3932 or Leslie Apple at 263-7544 ext. 3931.