Program, jobs for area youth
Published 7:58 pm Saturday, April 6, 2013
The city of Selma is now accepting applications for its Summer Youth Employment Program. Those between the ages of 15 and 22 can apply by contacting the city of Selma’s Val Jones at 874-5328. Since there is a limited amount of space, participants will be chosen in a lottery drawing outside the convention center on Wednesday, May 15 at 5 p.m.
To chase away summertime boredom and instill valuable work ethics, the city of Selma will launch their Summer Youth Employment Program.
The program, which has been going on for several years, is now accepting applications for Selma youth between the ages of 15 and 22. Last summer, the program placed more than 220 youth in businesses and organizations around the city.
“It provides youth with meaningful work during the summer months and teaches them some entry level skills,” said Val Jones, personnel director for the program. “It also teaches them time management and reporting to supervision.”
The program is broken in to two four-week sessions, the first beginning June 10 and the second July 9. Youth who participate will log in 16 hours per week, making $7.25 per hour.
“They’ll be working Mondays through Thursdays only,” Jones said, adding that youth must show proof of Selma residence to participate.
Jobs available through the program include landscape, office jobs and work with area organizations, departments and agencies. Originally launched by Selma Mayor George Evans, Jones said the program continually provides youth with valuable skills during the summer months.
“The program offers Selma youth the opportunity to earn money and gain meaningful work experience,” Evans said, adding that those who wish to sponsor a child can do so by donating $500. “Such a small investment reaps tremendous rewards.”
As a former educator, Evans said he knows first-hand the positive impact that working during the summer has on area youth.
“Summer employment allows them to gain valuable work experience that will carry over into their school work and start them on the road to success,” he said.
Applications for the programs are available at all Selma public and private schools as well as Selma City Hall and the Selma Career Center.
Since there is a limited amount of space, participants will be chosen in a lottery drawing outside the convention center on Wednesday, May 15 at 5 p.m.
For more information on the program, contact Val Jones at 874-5328.
