TOLEDO, OH – The Board of Lucas County Commissioners announced today the launch of the 2011 TANF Summer Youth Employment Program (TANF-SYEP) intended to create approximately 300 temporary, seasonal jobs for young workers who have already been identified as being eligible for the program.
More than a half million dollars will be allocated from Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds and the program will be jointly coordinated by the county Department of Job and Family Services and the Workforce Development Agency.
"Not only is this a great opportunity for young people to gain work experience which will impact them for the rest of their lives but it allows local businesses to gain extra employees during the summer months," County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak said.
Youth participants have already been selected from among those who are eligible for TANF funding however businesses interested in taking on a summer worker are still being recruited. Businesses interested in taking part in the program should call 419-213-6340 for information.
The funds being allocated to the program will be used to pay workers $8 per hour for the 6 week long program. Those selected will work up to 25 hours per week.
"This has been a strong employment program for the youth in our community,” stated Commissioner Carol Contrada. “It is a great opportunity for our businesses and our young people entering the working world."
Since the program has strict requirements for the use of federal funding, youth participants between the ages of 16 and 21 enrolled in TANF programs who meet those requirements have already been identified and are being notified, county officials stated, and no new applications can be accepted.
In return for offering their business as a worksite where young workers can gain valuable knowledge and work experience, the companies gain access to the next generation of employees and teach them about their business and the world of work.
Applications for business worksites will be available on the Lucas County
website under Departments and Workforce Development Agency.