Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services will be renewing its summer youth employment program for the first time since 2009 after receiving $147,500 in funding from the state.
The program was started in 2009 and was funded through stimulus money, but program funding has been unavailable since, DJFS Director Kathy Oliver said.
The program will let youth of needy families work for various employers in the area at a rate not to exceed $10 an hour, DJFS Assistant Director Robert Anderson said.
Sign-ups begin Tuesday and last through the end of August.
"Some jobs will be placed as early as May or early June," Oliver said. "Sometimes jobs open up later on, too."
DJFS is still determining the type of work that will be available.
In 2009, the available jobs were anything from construction to office work and landscaping, Oliver said.
The program also is referred to as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
"The idea of extending this service is to enable youth of lower income families in Seneca County to gain valuable work experience while earning a paycheck," Oliver said.
She still is looking into how many spots will be available.
Eligible youth are ages 14-17, so long as the child is a minor in a needy family; and youth ages 18-24, if they have a minor child in need, the program states.
The family's combined income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify.
"It's exciting to get the youth involved," Oliver said. "That means the youth will be spending some money in the community. It's good for both the kids and the community."
Those who would like to sign up or would like more information can call (419) 447-5011, ext. 356.
