SUMMER TEEN WORK PROGRAM HELPS YOUNGSTERS GET JOBS

A few Cape Girardeau youths will get a head start in the world of employment this summer with the help of the East Missouri Action Agency. Youth between the ages of 14 and 21, who meet eligibility guidelines, will have the opportunity to work in area business and non-profit agencies.

At the completion of the program, the youth will develop a resume, a skills portfolio and a career planning guide.

This year's program will emphasize work-based learning. Latanya Thomas, case manager for Cape Girardeau office summer program, said through the work-based training young workers will learn the importance of basic skills. "Any skill helping with a job will be taught," she said. Community resource speakers will educate the workers on issues from HIV to fire safety skills.

Thomas said the agency will orientate the youth before their job assignments begin and will continue to work on their problem areas.

"Each worker will be trained for four hours weekly in the areas of math, reading, making decisions, solving problems and other job-related skills."

Thomas said the program will accept youths who meet income guidelines based on family size. The program will take only 40 workers. Other interested youth will be placed on a waiting list.

Mary Burton, of the Cape Girardeau Chapter of the American Red Cross, said her organization participates in the summer program.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for the youth to develop themselves and at the same time benefit their community," she said. "The youth are our future. We have to devote time and energy to enhancing their skills and talents; they are the leaders of tomorrow."

Manager of Chick-fil-a, Janson Whitener, had four EMMA youth workers last summer. "We were real supportive of the program," he said. "Not many businesses will hire 14- or 15-year-olds."