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Eannace: Oneida County Takes Applications For Summer Youth Employment Program

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr., today announced that the Oneida County Office of Workforce Development is taking applications for a 2003 Summer Youth Employment Program, although funding for the program has not yet been approved by the state.

"Although the TANF dollars that support our summer program are part of the funding that could be delayed in the state budget, we want our Oneida County young people to apply now so that if funding arrives in time to operate a Summer Youth Employment Program, we will be able to have their applications on file," Eannace said.

Most youths in the program work about 20 hours per week over four to six weeks, depending upon the level of funding. Youths earn the minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, and are placed in well-supervised community worksites or assigned to special projects. To be eligible, youths must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and meet certain income criteria.

"The Summer Youth Employment Program provides young people with meaningful work experience and also helps them earn money that they and their families can use," Eannace said.

Eannace said because funding is not yet certain, the Office of Workforce Development is currently only accepting pre-applications. If funding is approved, youths who have applied will be contacted in either early June or whenever the funding has been approved. The Summer Youth Employment Program is expected to start in July, if funding is approved.

Pre-applications are available at:

• Working Solutions Utica, State Office Building, 207 Genesee St., Second Floor.
• Working Solutions Rome, 252 West Dominick Street.