From Rose M. Hansen, Program Manager, Hayward Adult School
When schools let out this June, thousands of youths in Alameda County will be seeking summer employment. As it did last year, Employment Plus Program/Youth Enrichment Services with HUSD/Hayward Adult School is once again partnering with various public agencies, including the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board and Alameda County Social Services CalWORKs Department, to place 301 young people in summer jobs. We are asking public and private entities throughout Alameda County to support our effort by considering hiring youth between the ages of 16 and 24 for summer job openings.
Employers benefit by having the chance to hire young, enthusiastic workers to fill summertime seasonal positions without the usual hassles of advertising, interviewing, etc. Perhaps best of all, youths’ wages are paid 100% by the Summer Youth Employment Program, not the participating employer.
As a further inducement to employers, youths are carefully pre-screened by SYEP, and assigned to jobs based on the employer’s personnel needs and specific job requirements, as well as the youth’s talents, education, aspirations, and aptitudes. Before assigning youths to an employer, each youth receives 16 hours of paid Employment Orientation. This training raises their awareness of employer expectations, proper work attire, and interpersonal communication.
Through summer employment, youths gain valuable work experience, a sense of responsibility, new skills, financial rewards, a chance to experience the work world, and an opportunity to contribute to their families and communities. In addition, youth with summer jobs are less likely to get into trouble or break the law.
Please help us help our young people, by letting us know about summer jobs that you are seeking to fill. Sonja Martin, Business Services Representative, at 510-293-8595, ext: 5431, will work with employers to solidify summer job openings. We look forward to this opportunity to work together in offering the young people of our community the services and guidance they need to succeed in the future.
Rose M. Hansen, Program Manager, Grants and Special Projects, Hayward Adult School, can be reached at (510) 293-8595, ext. 5429.