YouthWorks Indy Jobs

YouthWorks Indy to provide education stipends and paid work experience

Mayor Greg Ballard today announced a summer jobs and educational program for Marion County residents ages 16 to 24. YouthWorks Indy will provide paid positions, education, and job skills training to 575 young adults from June 8th through July 31st. The Indianapolis Private Industry Council will manage the program using federal stimulus funds designated for employment and training.

"We are using stimulus funds not only to create immediate summer employment opportunities, but, more importantly, we want to close education gaps and provide participants with the opportunity to develop basic job-getting skills that will benefit them in the future," said Mayor Ballard.

The program focuses on three areas: education; employment; and work readiness. It is open to 350 in-school youth currently enrolled in high school; 175 youth who are out of school, but seeking a GED or credentials; and 50 high school students who are interested in pursuing health care careers.

"We are excited to offer an educational component alongside the work experience," said Brooke Huntington, President and CEO of IPIC. "We believe this unique, learning-intensive combination will maximize the opportunity for long-term success among participants by putting the youth on track to receive specific educational credentials."

Participants will spend part of their time in the classroom and part of their time gaining work experience at local companies and organizations.

The program will provide an hourly wage for work of $8.50 (up to $170/week) and a stipend of $50 per educational session (up to $250 per week) to cover transportation and meals.

On-line applications are available at www.ipic.org and will be accepted between April 27th and May 8th.

YouthWorks Indy participants will be chosen by May 15th with priority of selection given to Veterans (past or present), Fall 2009 enrolling Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) participants,

Youth Employment Services (YES) participants and current WIA Adult, Dislocated Worker or Youth participants.

For more information on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how monies are being spent by the city of Indianapolis, please visit www.indygov.org/mayor.