Helping young people obtain employment and prepare for a career is just one of the ways the Youth Programs staff in the District 622 Community Education Department is working to make a difference in the community.

This summer the Youth Programs department partnered with community organizations and the Ramsey and Washington county workforce centers to employ more than 30 youth at 13 different community sites.

Students were paid to work at a site during the summer, and their salaries were made possible with special funding for youth employment activities through the 2009 American Recovery Act.

Employment sites included Adventure Bay Day Camp, Northeast YMCA, Maplewood Care Center, Ramsey County Care Center, North St Paul City Hall, Stillwater City Hall, Oakdale Parks and Recreation, Washington County Library, Adventure Connection and District 622 buildings.

Instead of being placed directly at a site, the students first underwent a 20-hour work readiness training to help them obtain and maintain a job. Participants were also matched according to their career interest in order to gain job skills and help explore different career paths.

Students like Brenda Granados, an ALC student, and Charles Taban, a recent graduate of North High School, were placed in Adventure Bay Day Camp.

“This program has benefited me a lot,” Granados said. “It kept me busy and I had a lot of fun. What I liked about it was my co-workers and the kids. Everyone was fun to get along with… it was as if we were all a family.”

“Brenda and Charles improved our staff to child ratio, brought energy and excitement to our activities, and were able to make connections with campers,” said Steve Egberg, camp supervisor. “They also both helped plan activities for the campers.”

Parents have also voiced support for the program.

“This program is good for youth,” said William Vaughn, whose child worked at a nursing home. “It keeps them out of the streets, it is also a good way to get experience and prepare for their future. My daughter may even go into nursing after this experience.”

For other students it has been a “blessing” because the program helped them figure out how to open a bank account, go to college visits and even save money to buy a car.

“It makes me feel better that I get to go help people and make a difference in the community,” said Thomas Hanes, an ALC student who worked with seniors at the Maplewood Care Center.

The Summer Jobs Program teaches students’ responsibility and allows them to ramp up their future plans, which they may have been pushing off during the school year. Students also had the opportunity to be exposed to new environments and work with different people.

Many organizations involved in the program agree that it has been a wonderful summer.

“The program was one of the best and it was great to see the students grow in confidence and skill,” said Anne Erickson, an RN from Ramsey County Care Center. “It is definitely worth keeping.”

If you want to know more about community education youth programs and new program initiatives, please contact 651-746-7446 or atorralba-olague@isd622.org.