April 11, 2011

U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, along with national business leaders, introduced a private'sector Summer Jobs initiative on April 6, partnering with the Department of Labor (DOL) with national companies to provide part-time or summer employment to low-income youth this summer. Solis is asking the business community to make jobs available to help address the unemployment crisis and limited work opportunities for young people. DOL is turning to the private sector and business leaders to make a commitment to provide jobs in their communities in Summer 2011. The same day, DOL launched a new web page, www.dol.gov/summerjobs to highlight businesses and local leaders who are providing innovative Summer Jobs programs to youth. Local One'stop Centers have been instructed to work with area businesses to assist in every way possible to make sure youth can connect with jobs in the 2011 summer.

“The youth are the future of this nation and deserve to be afforded these opportunities,” said Solis. “These summer jobs will provide them with opportunities to learn about the workplace and acquire skills necessary to obtain and keep a job, all while earning a paycheck. Summer jobs teach young people about career pathways and can inspire them to seek the education necessary to achieve their long-term career goals. In the past, employers who have participated in these programs have found it to be a critical pipeline for highly qualified, loyal employees.”

The recession has brought about many challenges for young people, especially in terms of Summer employment. Last July, when youth employment is historically at its highest, the unemployment rate among youth aged 16 to 24 was at 19.1 percent. According to DOL, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds supported Summer work opportunities for over 368,000 youth in 2009 and 2010. There are no federal funds for a 2011 program. However, Solis is reaching out to the business community to provide opportunities for youth this summer.

For more information on the initiative, or to find out how you can make a commitment to Summer Jobs in your city, contact David Roberts at Roberts.David@dol.gov.