>>Valley Patriot>> |
I am pleased to announce my Summer Youth Jobs Program for 2005. A combination of funding has provided summer job opportunities for teen youth in Lawrence. The program will be for 25 hours a week for 8 weeks at a pay rate of $8.00 per hour. I’m really excited that so many young, energetic individuals will have productive time off from school but still have the benefit of being educated in the working world. For many, this will be their first opportunity to interview for a job, acquire marketable skills and earn money for school, clothes or just some summer fun. The applications were taken at the Valley Works Career Center and some of the application process involved helpful hints on dressing for success, interview skills, applications and resume assistance and finding a good match for job skills. The programs have about 47 positions funded through Lawrence School Department, 17 jobs through the Lawrence Recreation Department and 38 jobs through a state workforce grant for a total of 100 summer positions. I have also asked many area employers to match the city’s commitment and help provide our teens with some worthwhile summer activities. Teenagers have boundless energy that needs to be channeled in the proper direction or there might be negative consequences. As a parent of four teens, I know first hand the benefits of keeping our youth busy during their vacation times. The program has been promoted through the Lawrence Public Schools and has targeted teens from 14 to 17 years old. The city has also done placement with Groundworks Lawrence and Hope Street Youth Center. Groundworks will be focused on bringing back a beautiful Riverwalk along the south side banks of the Merrimack River. This is a great summer project to have young adults working outside during the warm weather. The Hope Street Youth Program will continue to focus on a number of projects that generate great artistic expression throughout the entire year. The city will sponsor its usual summer parks and recreations positions but will feature twenty additional positions in the fifteen different departments, including the Office of the Mayor. In order to make these jobs a meaningful summer experience, all departments have been asked to develop a brief job description, which could then be matched to the applicant’s aptitudes and skill set. *Michael Sullivan is in his first term as the mayor of Lawrence and is seeking reelection in the September primary. To comtact him you can email your comments to N_Carroll@cityof lawrence.com *Send your questions
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