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500 Oahu youths begin
summer job training

The program will become
year-round this year

Star-Bulletin staff

Some 500 disadvantaged Oahu youths will begin employment training today and tomorrow during the final session of the city's summer jobs program.

The Summer Youth Employment and Training Program, "sunsetting" after this session, is being replaced with a year-round program in line with the new Workforce Investment Act philosophy, said Abelina Shaw, director of the Department of Community Services.

"The people that come onto the summer program this year will be folded into the year-round program," Shaw said. "The whole intent was not to do away with the summer program," but to transition into the new program.

Last year, with more than three times the funding, the city enrolled 1,249 youths, 949 of which completed the program.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the city would not offer youth employment training this summer. But by combining funds the city found $781,423 to enroll 618 youths ages 14 to 21. While the program is only budgeted for 500 participants, projected attrition allows all enrolled participants a chance at the program, Shaw said.

The participants will earn minimum wage for 190 hours of work at government, private and nonprofit organizations and will also participate in educational and skills building programs.

"It's a very involved program. This isn't just a recreation program for the summer," she said.