City and county officials announced a goal today of helping 15,000 young people get jobs this year as part of the Los Angeles Summer Youth Employment program, which is available to people 14 to 21 years of age.
The program is open to all youth in the county, but the priority is placed on young people in the foster system or from low-income neighborhoods.
Youth workers will each receive wages totaling about $1,100, as well as training in financial literacy and workplace skills. Assistance with work clothes and bus tokens are also provided if needed.
Partners include the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Sony and Disney, with jobs varying depending on the young person’s goals and interests. Positions are also being made available in the county and city fire departments, as well as in other public agencies.
“Jobs empower young people,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “They give them the success they need. They experience what it feels like to support their families … And that is such a meaningful down payment on their futures.”
County Supervisor Don Knabe also aid helping young get employed is a worthwhile endeavor.
“Investing in our young people has a great return,” he said. “For them having a job — that helps them develop skills, good work habits and to realize their potential.”
The county put up about $8.5 million, with the city also contributing some dollars, to the program.
The summer youth program has been around for more than three decades, but has expanded greatly in recent years. Previously, officials had committed to between 5,000 to 12,000 jobs for youth around the county.
