FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4/2/2009

PLEASANTVILLE, NJ -- Atlantic County youth, ages 16-24, may be eligible to participate in a Paid Summer Youth Work Study Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) provided that they meet the “economically disadvantaged” criteria established by the United States Department of Labor.

Eligible youth will participate in the program for six to eight weeks, 20 to 40 hours per week, beginning July 1, 2009. All participants will complete a minimum of 16 hours of work readiness activities prior to placement in federal, state, county or municipal governments; public secondary or post secondary education settings; or non-profit agencies. Participants will work as an “aide” or “assistant” under the direct supervision of a worksite supervisor. All work sites will be pre-approved.

“For a vast majority of youth, the summer program experience may be their first job,” stated Rhonda Lowery, One Stop Operator. “We will do our best to identify work experiences that match well to entry level employment; taking into consideration travel considerations, skills needed to perform the job, child labor laws, health and safety issues and other similar parameters.”

There is no cost to participate and transportation and child care needs may be addressed on a case by case basis.

Placements may include, but are not limited to: Office/Clerical Aides, General Indoor or Outdoor Maintenance Aide, Recreation Worker Aide, Child/Elderly Care Worker Aide, Food Service Worker Aide and Community Aide.

Preliminary eligibility requirements require that youth must be 16 to 24 years of age, a citizen or eligible alien, a low income individual, and have a barrier to employment, such as: deficient in basic skills, school dropout, homeless, runaway or foster child, pregnant or parenting, offender or a youth with a disability that requires additional support to secure employment. Additionally, participating males must be registered with Selective Service.

Interested individuals should call (609) 407-5042 to schedule an appointment to determine eligibility. Visit www.learntrainwork.com for more information.