Gov. Jay Nixon today in Kansas City announced a new program to connect 1,500 young people from low-income families with summer jobs.
He spoke at the Young Adult Career Connections Center near 18th and Vine streets.
“Your first job is where you learn the basic, foundational skills and values that you draw on throughout your career – like teamwork, preparation, taking the initiative, and going the extra mile to get the job done right,” he said in a press release.
“Getting kids started out on the right path is vital to keeping them on course to financial independence, a rewarding career, and a successful life,” he said.
The state Office of Community Engagement will work over the coming months with employers, the Full Employment Council Inc., and the Eastern Jackson County workforce investment board, he said.
The jobs program will use $4.5 million in federal block grants to support wages of $8 an hour, for up to 30 hours a week for 1,500 youth during the summer of 2015.
The program will also provide employment support services like mentoring and case management.
It can be used to provide services for families under 185 percent of the federal poverty level.
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