SUMMER PROGRAM HELPS TEEN-AGERS GET JOBS

A summer job program for 14- to 21-year-olds not only helps youths find summer employment but will track participants as they continue through school.

Jennifer Dennis of the Private Industry Council said past youth programs have focused solely on summer employment.

"We'd put them in a job and be done with it," Dennis said, "but new this year is tracking, where we follow the participants once they're back in school."

Participants will be monitored at least once a month, and those in mentoring programs could have weekly contact.

"It's going to be more in-depth," Dennis said, adding that it is hoped participation in the program can keep students from dropping out of school.

Dennis said the program is aimed at youth, ages 14 to 21, from low-income families and those who have a disability.

The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Economic Development, tries to find jobs that last five weeks for participants.

"They only take out Social Security, so the youths take home about $475 to $480 for the summer," Dennis said. "It helps them buy school clothes and supplies, which helps out their families."

Parents also like the program because it gives youngsters something to do during the summer, Dennis said.

It also gives the young people a sense of accomplishment, she said.

With the new program there are also jobs during the school year for those who don't get jobs in the summer, Dennis said.

And for 14- and 15-year-olds, who often have difficulty finding employment, the program offers a two-day career and leadership workshop. Those who attend earn $50.

"The whole idea is to work with youths before they get to age 16 so they will stay in school and develop better working habits," Dennis said.

The Private Industry Council/Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri oversees the youth jobs program in Cape Girardeau, Scott, Stoddard, Mississippi, New Madrid, Dunklin and Pemiscot counties.

The East Missouri Action Agency oversees the program in Bollinger, Perry, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francis, Madison and Iron counties.

Youths from Cape Girardeau County interested in the program can call Dennis at 334-0990 ext. 22.

In Scott County, informational meetings on the program will be held at 9 this morning at Scott City High School, at 10:30 a.m. at Chaffee High School, at 1 p.m. at Oran High School, at 2:30 at Missouri Mission in Sikeston and at 4 at the Sikeston Vo-Tech.

Today's Scott County meetings

9 a.m. at Scott City High School

10:30 at Chaffee High School

1 p.m. at Oran High School

2:30 at Missouri Mission in Sikeston

4 o'clock Sikeston Vo-Tech.