April 20, 2009
TRAINING TEENS TO WORK
Providence, RI –Lack of gainful employment for the teenage population during the summer can lead to idle time that can be unproductive. Cities just like Providence are searching for ways to keep teens active during the summer months. Thankfully, an estimated $5.6 million in new stimulus funds is projected to become available starting as early as May 1 for teen employment.
Three years ago the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence started a pilot youth employment program for teens ages 14-17 funded through the Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston. The program, a first of its kind in Rhode Island, recruited and trained 40 qualified high school youth in the 11 competencies the Department of Labor says a worker needs to get and keep a job in its first year.
During its first three years, the program has graduated over 100 teens – all of who found employment after completing the program; and all but one graduated from high school.
In June the Boys & Girls Clubs will begin its fourth Youth Employment Program. At least 80 teens from Providence and Cranston will work in the Clubs and receive job training. They will attend a 12 hour pre-job training where they will learn competencies necessary to finding and keeping a job, including how to prepare a resumé, fill out applications, interview, and the importance of regular attendance, punctuality, appropriate appearance and dress, and completing tasks effectively and on time.
The teens will be employed in all aspects of Boys & Girls Clubs program delivery. They will work in the Games Room, serve meals in the Kids Café program, coordinate activities in the gym, greet guests and answer phones at the front desk, work with the maintenance department, supervise Club members in the computer labs, teach arts and crafts, do database entry, be lifeguards at the Fox Point pool, and serve as junior counselors at Camp Davis. They will earn $7.40 an hour, 20 hours a week.
For more information, contact Rebecca Ebeling at rebeling@bgcprov.org. Or call (401) 444-0750 ext. 107.