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Director of Health and Human Services responding to #205360 re: the summer youth jobs program and opportunities for work at local nonprofits.
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Official Text
To the Honorable City Council:
In response to # 205360: That the Administration share plans for this summer’s youth jobs program, including the cost to nonprofits for hiring youths and any opportunity to create stipend work for younger teens in local nonprofits.
I would like to provide recent programmatic changes that have been taking place regarding youth jobs.
The Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program
• Youth aged 14 may apply to work with the Department of Recreation (In the past youth had to be aged 16, for the past two years the age was lowered to 15)
• Youth will be paid $12.80 an hour, the current living wage.
Youthworks Program
This is a grant funded program that allows the city to hire youth and send the youth to local non-profits.
This is a separate application process from Mayor’s Summer Jobs.
• City of Somerville was awarded funding (pending Council approval) in the amount of $34,240.00.
• Provides 19 youth with job opportunities (3 more positions than last year)
10 will be placed at Groundwork Somerville
9 will be placed at Mystic Learning Center
• Youth, starting at age 14, may apply to work (in the past youth needed to be at least 16)
Signal Success Program
“Signal Success is a comprehensive curriculum designed and tested by education and workforce development partners to help young people develop essential skills for future success. Students receive systematic instruction in core soft skills while engaging in meaningful future planning.” (signalsuccess.org) Youth aged 13-15 can participate in this career readiness training. Youth receive a $150.00 stipend for their participation.
• After the first round of programming the data from the pre and post survey indicated that on average youth achieved a 26% increased confidence level in initiative, dependability, communication and collaboration.
• The pilot program was held over the course of 6 weeks, all 8 enrolled youth completed the program. Future incarnations will take place during vacation weeks to provide programming during times when those in this age group are typically not occupied.
Please contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Douglas S Kress
Health & Human Services Director