Summer Youth Program offers supply of needed labor, jobs

Summer jobs are always a precious commodity for young people, but never more than now that we have an economic downtown.

Increased automation on the farm and in other industries mean fewer opportunities to provide manual labor, the kind often supplied by unskilled workers in their teens and early 20s. Add fewer sales of all types of goods, as well as less construction, and many young workers hoping to put away money for school are finding themselves out of luck.

Fortunately, Greater Nebraska is receiving $417,114 in stimulus funds -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- through the 2009 Summer Youth Program.

Similar programs are already under way in more populated counties like Lancaster, Saunders, Douglas, Washington and Sarpy counties, but the latest funds are specifically earmarked for youth elsewhere in the state.

Coordinated by Nebraska Workforce Development -- Department of Labor, the program will place eligible youth age 16-24 in summer jobs for up to 10 weeks.

Not only that, the program can provide labor for any non-profit organization interested in becoming a worksite for the program.

With the recent interpretation of rules not allowing Work Ethic Camp offenders to work at public schools, we wonder if schools should be first in line to take advantage of the Summer Youth Program.

Workers will make $7.25 an hour, work 20-40 hours a week, and while they aren't eligible for the usual benefits like unemployment at the end of the summer, sick leave or vacation, they are eligible for Workers Compensation provided by Workforce Development.

No, it's not the best of hourly wages, but it will be a job and a good chance to develop a good work ethic and learn new skills.

Eligible youth interested in landing one of the jobs should contact the local Workforce Development office or visit www.nebraskaworkforce.com for more information.

Public and nonprofit organizations that are potential worksites can get information from the same sources.

With the recession making itself felt in all parts of the state, it's gratifying that some of the stimulus help is finding itself into our corner of Nebraska as well.