ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SUMMER FOR YOUTH @ WORK COMES TO A CLOSE
(8/15/2008) AT END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION MAYOR HONORS TEENS FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND THANKS EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION
NEW HAVEN- Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. led a celebration today in honor of the 1200 New Haven teens, ages 14-19, who were employed through the City’s Youth at Work Program. This program, part of the Mayor’s Youth Initiative, partners with more than 80 organizations and businesses including, various departments within the City of New Haven, Yale University, the Hospital of St. Raphael's, the law firm of Murtha Cullina, Youth Rights Media and the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament. Youth have taken on jobs as office assistants and camp counselors, but are also learning technical skills through several programs, including graphics and video production and editing.
Two programs this summer also created PSA's which will be viewed during Friday's "Employee of the Summer Event." Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Program created "College Over Jordans," which raises awareness about the importance of planning for a college education and money management. The Mayor's Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program also created a teen pregnancy PSA which will debut at Friday's event. Teens in both programs are now seeking partnerships with the local media to broadcast their high-quality productions.
Youth@Work is an excellent opportunity for students as young as 14 to learn key workplace and life skills. It is designed for students to work and learn - even if they make mistakes. This a training ground for them where caring adults can direct them so that they are better prepared for the real world,” said Stephanie Barnes, Youth @ Work Program Coordinator. “We need more businesses to become involved in this effort, not only by contributing financial resources, but by providing internship opportunities in the summer and/or throughout the school year. These internships, particularly in high growth industries, will not only prepare youth for the future workplace, but positively impact Connecticut's workforce and economy by providing workplace training opportunities early on.”
“Our young people need access to positive choices, mentors, jobs and training,” said DeStefano, “Through Youth at Work we can provide them with all of this. Our City’s youth are given the opportunity to explore careers, learn about what they need to do to succeed in the workforce and develop their own leadership abilities. We’re expanding this program every year to include more teens over the summer and to be able to place them in jobs throughout the school-year as well.”
Prior to their first day on the job, all participating youth were required to attend training where they learned about professionalism, appropriate attire, communication skills and work ethics.
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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga
Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net
Contact Phone: 203-946-7660
