Chafee Announces $2.1 Million in Funding for Youth Summer Work

Chafee Announces $2.1 Million in Funding for Youth Summer Work

Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee has announced $2.1 million in state and federal funding for youth summer work.

 “We recognize the importance of providing real work experience to the next generation of our labor force,” Chafee said. “Through these summer jobs, Rhode Island youth learn hands-on technical skills, workplace expectations and financial responsibility habits that could not only launch them into a successful career path but also a successful life.”

The “2014 Summer Youth Work Experience Program” was collaborated on by The Governor’s Workforce Board, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), the RI Department of Human Services (DHS), the Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB) and the Workforce Partnership of Greater RI and Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston.  The funding strategy was announced at the annual meeting for the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island.

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The plan calls for about 1,400 people ages 14-24 to receive “work experiences” and/or “readiness training.”  Young workers enter the program through YouthWorks411, a network of 14 youth workforce development centers throughout Rhode Island. 

“Summer jobs keep young people actively engaged, while also teaching them the skills they need to be successful throughout college and their careers,” said DLT Director Charles J. Fogarty. “The Department of Labor and Training is pleased to foster opportunities that can help young people gain workforce experience and exposure to a variety of career and training options.” 

Young people interested in the program are encouraged to contact the nearest YouthWorks411 Center, which can be found online on the DLT website.