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MARK KESSENICH
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Milwaukee, WI – This week, the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) launched the 2011 Summer Youth Employment Program placing over 1,000 youth in jobs at public, private, and over 60 community based worksites throughout Milwaukee County. As a part of Mayor Barrett’s Earn & Learn Summer Youth Employment Program, youth will work for the next six weeks in a variety of jobs where they will develop entry-level work skills and gain real world work experience. For many of the youth this will be their first job and real paycheck. “For most of our youth, not only is this a first job, it’s the first step toward a positive future and understanding the importance of education and a career,” said Donald Sykes, President & CEO of the MAWIB.
For the past four years the Mayor and Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board have partnered to put over 6,000 youth to work during the summer months. Youth unemployment is projected to remain extremely high this summer, due to cuts in federal jobs programs and a tough economy. In response, the Mayor and local business leaders created the Earn & Learn Foundation to bolster the program. “I am very appreciative of those business and foundation leaders who have stepped up and are providing opportunities for our youth. There is no better investment in a young person than a job,” said Mayor Barrett. In addition, the State Department of Workforce Development continues to be a strong supporter and provides funding for this summer’s program.
The program is built around key partnerships with public and non-profit organizations throughout the area, including a number of faith-based partners, Milwaukee County Parks, MMSD and the United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee consortium. Partnering organizations provide the youth with supervision, mentoring and on-the-job training. “We have so many great community partners. They understand youth want to be successful and productive and go the extra mile to give our youth that opportunity,” commented Chytania Brown, MAWIB Director of Youth Programs.
“It takes a strong partnership to create opportunities for our youth, and as support in the business community grows, we can become even more successful,” said John Kissinger, Board Chair MAWIB and Partner at GRAEF Inc.
