By Kathy Wiggins
May 16, 2011

Conference of Mayors President Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth B. Kautz joined Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis and other leadership of The U.S. Conference of Mayors on a teleconference held May 5 to discuss the Departments’ Summer Jobs USA: Make the Commitment! initiative, and the importance of providing access to Summer Jobs for America’s young people.

"Summer jobs help teach young people about what is possible, provide them with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace, and inspire them to seek the education necessary to achieve their long-term career goals," said Solis.

Kautz joined Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin and over 100 other mayors from across the country for the discussion on ways to increase crucial work opportunities for low-income youth this summer. Jamba Juice Store Operations President Bruce Schroder was also on the call and said the company is committed to providing 2,500 jobs all over the country this Summer.

"Burnsville has pledged to hire young people to fill our city’s seasonal jobs" said Kautz. "I know the experience and income youth get from these jobs will help them pay for their education."

"We started our Summer Jobs program two weeks ago, and we had over 2,500 teens and young adults in attendance - more than twice as many as last year." said Swearengin. "Thank you Secretary Solis for coming up with this initiative."

The Department launched the initiative in April with the goal of highlighting 100,000 Summer Jobs opportunities across the country. Since then, Solis has partnered with elected officials, business leaders, and non-profit organizations to create and publicize job opportunities for low-income young people 24 and under this summer.

As a part of this effort, the Department of Labor has launched an informational website, www.dol.gov/summerjobs, and is instructing local One-Stop Centers to work with area businesses to assist in every possible way to make sure that young people can connect with part-time or Summer jobs in 2011.