Stimulus funds to put Pittsburgh teens on the job

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_619208.html

Stimulus funds to put Pittsburgh teens on the job
By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, April 4, 2009

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said Friday that he plans to make it a little easier for teenagers to find a summer job.

He wants to spend $1.5 million in federal economic stimulus funds and block grants to hire at least 500 young people for the city's Summer Youth Employment Program. The program employs youths 14 to 21 to clean up litter, spruce up city playgrounds, plant flowers and perform other tasks that beautify the city.

If the mayor's hiring goal is met, it would be the city's largest temporary youth workforce in three years. In 2008, the city spent $837,000 to hire 272 teenagers; and in 2007, it used $550,000 to hire 197.

Pittsburgh personnel officials are accepting proposals from companies and agencies to run the city's summer employment program. Applications are due May 1. Visit the city's Web site for more information.

According to the city's request for proposals, youths could earn a maximum of $1,305 during the six-week summer program from July 6 to Aug. 14. Participants, who must be city residents, would make $7.25 an hour.

For the first time this year, the employment effort will help youths obtain internships in "growth employment sectors" such as "education, robotics, financial services and health care."