Special to The Truth
The Lucas County Commissioners last week joined Pathway, Inc., to kick off the application process for Lucas County teens to participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program. With funding from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Family program, the Summer Youth Employment program will provide valuable work experience to approximately 60 income eligible Lucas County in school youths aged 14 to 18 over an eight-week period.
Youths will gain on-the-job work experience earning $13 per hour and includes one week of training and development on work readiness skills and workplace etiquette.
Commissioner Pete Gerken said: “We are thrilled to partner with Pathway, Inc. and other local employers to offer this program to our community’s youth. This initiative not only provides income for families in need, but also helps our young people develop important work skills and prepares them for their future careers.”
“We are committed to investing in our community’s youth to ensure a productive and successful workforce in the years to come,” Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak said. “The participating youths will have the opportunity to work with professionals on real projects, gaining real-world experience and learning the realities of work.”
The program began May 1 and will run through September 30, 2023.
“This will not only help teenagers earn a paycheck for the summer, but also provide them with a constructive outlet while they are out of school, thus strengthening the communities where they live,” Commissioner Lisa A. Sobecki said. “The program benefits the participating families economically and contributes to a productive and positive community.”
“Pathway is honored to be partnering with Lucas County Commissioners and employers to offer a “real work” experience to young people. Our goal is to provide youth with a positive outlook on what it is like to become gainfully employed and how important accountability is in their employment success,” Tomeka Rushing, Director of Employment and Career Services said. “We are missioned to prepare them for the workforce and place them on a path to self-sufficiency prior to graduating from high school.”
The Commissioners extended their sincere gratitude to the local employers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors within Lucas County for their participation in the program. Without their support, this initiative would not be possible. The Commissioners hope that the youths make the best of their opportunities to realize their fullest potential. Applications for the summer youth work program and information for employers interested in hiring teens can be found at Summer Youth Employment Program – Pathway Toledo