More City youth will get the chance to work and earn a paycheck this summer thanks to an expanded Frederick YouthWORKS! Summer Jobs Program. The City of Frederick Mayor, Michael O’Connor, and Frederick County Executive, Jan Gardner, have inked a deal to expand the program to an additional 25 city resident youth. Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) manages the highly successful annual program which already serves more than 130 youth from the City and County. The City funded this expansion in its Fiscal Year 2020 Budget.
“Helping more Frederick youth gain valuable work experience and earn some cash this summer benefits the youth, their families, and our entire community,” stated Mayor O’Connor. “I am delighted that with funding support from the Board of Aldermen, our Department of Economic Development (DED) has been able to join forces with county partners to expand this program in the City for our highly deserving youth.”
According to Frederick’s Director of Economic Development Richard Griffin, many of the 4,000 youth in The City of Frederick between ages 14 and 21 have qualifying barriers to employment. “I am confident that our city youth and businesses will step up to fill these positions, and we are already starting those discussions,” shared Griffin, who also represents The City of Frederick on the Frederick County Workforce Development Board of Directors. “This program helps achieve part of our overall workforce development strategy to help Frederick youth gain early insights into career opportunities and work skills.“
Michelle Day, Director of FCWS, offered, "We know that connecting young people to employment opportunities is a win for the whole community. Last year, we were able to place 54 youth, and this year we can increase that number with the added City funding. The support from the City emphasizes the importance of building a skilled talent pipeline for the future so we can meet the demands of our growing industries."
The Program is open to Frederick City and County Youth between the ages of 14 and 21 with one or more barriers to employment including:
• Low-income family status
• Possessing one or more disabilities
• Receiving assistance from Social Services
• Enrolled in the Foster Care system
• Connected with the juvenile justice system
• Participating in Special Education or Directed-level classes
• 25 positions are solely for youth residing in the City of Frederick
The YouthWorks! Summer Jobs Program Informational Open House will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, between the hours of 1PM and 4PM at FCWS (200 Monroe Avenue). Representatives from FCWS and City DED will be on hand to answer questions.
Employers interested in hosting summer workers can learn more and contact business@cityoffrederickmd.gov for more information.
For More Information:
Summer YouthWORKS! Program Coordinator - 301-600-2255; summerjobsprogram@frederickcountymd.gov
City Youth Positions with The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development - 301-600-6360; business@cityoffrederickmd.gov