Large summer jobs program to start

Courtesy Office of Governor Jay Nixon

Gov. Jay Nixon in Kansas City today joined state and local officials, business leaders and students to encourage young people to participate in a summer employment program.

From a Nixon media release after the event at the Full Employment Council:

The Summer Job League will enroll 1,500 youth between ages 16 to 24 from the greater Kansas City area.

The program is intended to connect low-income youth with businesses. Job candidates must be living at or below the 185 percent federal poverty level.

Youth in the program will be enrolled in work-readiness training at area centers to learn soft skills and get matched with a business they are interested in.

The league will pay up to $8 an hour for a maximum of 240 hours.

“The Summer Job League is a great way for young people to gain real-world work experience and get a head start on a rewarding career,” Nixon said.

So far, 66 area businesses have signed up to offer jobs.

Maida Coleman, director of the Missouri Office of Community Engagement, said, “This is an excellent way for businesses to support their communities as well as connect with the faces of our future workforce.”

Mayor Sly James and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders praised the state effort, which will complement city programs to create more summer jobs.

Funding for the state program will mainly be from federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds.

The extra TANF funds come from improving economic conditions and job growth.