Summer Youth Jobs Program 2009

We've Moved!

2010-06-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Check out all the new blog posts from our youth at by going to the Workforce Investment Board website. Click here!

We Want You!

2010-01-27T09:20:00.001-08:00

Times are tough and the Workforce Investment Board of Santa Barbara County wants to help you. Yes, you!

Do you want a quality and guided work experience? Want a paycheck? Want to boost your resume? You've come to the right place! Fill out a pre-application on our Web site and we'll take it from there.

www.SantaBarbaraCountyWIB.org/Youth

Applications Now Available Online!

2009-12-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

Ready to jump start your career? Looking for a paid work experience this summer?

Click here for the Summer Youth Employment Program Application!

Summer Youth 2010!

2009-10-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Workforce Investment Board and the Summer Youth staff are working hard to create a even bigger and better Summer Youth Employment Program for 2010!

We gave 59 youth jobs in Santa Barbara County departments and we're expanding that number to 300!

Do you know a youth who would benefit from this great opportunity? Let us know and we'll send you a pre-application.

Watch our Summer Youth Documentary to see what the youth did this summer at their County jobs.

Want a job?

2009-09-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Are you a teenager who wants a job next summer? Let us know!

Go to the Workforce Investment Board's Web site: www.santabarbaracountywib.org, click "Contact Us" and send us a message.

We'll get back to you with information regarding the Summer Youth Employment Program.

Do you have friends who might want to get involved? Let them know too! The County and the Workforce Investment Board is committed to help as many of our Santa Barbara County youth as possible.

Summer Youth Recognition Events

2009-08-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

You’re Invited!

Come join us to acknowledge the hardworking youth participants of
Santa Barbara County’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

Santa Barbara
Monday, August 24, 2009
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Davis Center
1232 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

Lompoc
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce
111 South I Street
Lompoc, CA 93437

Santa Maria
Thursday, August 27, 2009
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Center for Employment Training
509 W. Morrison AvenueSanta Maria, CA 93458

· Hors d’oeuvres
· Certificate of Completion presentation by County Supervisors
· Summer Youth Program documentary screening

Please RSVP to Victoria Sanchez at 805-681-4431

Career Friday

2009-08-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

South County youth might have more of an idea of what they want to do for a living since they got the scoop on four different jobs at Career Friday.

Santa Barbara Police Officer Ed Ruiz, Marine Corps Sergeant Denise Sanchez, Barber Matt Sanchez and County Fire Captain Tanner with Engine 12, volunteered their time to speak to the youth at their Friday workshop.

The professionals explained how they got into their job, why they chose the career they did and what they like about it. The youth were able to ask questions and inquire about how they could get into those fields of work.

"I enjoyed the different stories each person had. I learned a lot of every career that was presented. I did not know a lot and I learned new things," said Sarah D. (Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health).

"I did enjoy and appreciate them coming here. I learned a little bit about their jobs and what they do," said Erick C. (Administration Building).

"I liked Career Day. It was really interesting [and] I learned that you have to stay committed and think about what you want [to] do before you do it 'cause it's a big step," said Kimberlee K. (Reprographics).

"I learned that doing what you wanna do shouldn't stop you from going to school," said Marlene A. (Housing & Community Development).

"I learned how that anybody could get any job they want and also all the different opportunities we have," said Eric M. (Cachuma Lake).

"I enjoyed career Friday and I learned about the Marines, firefighter and what they do, how much they make, how they got in the program and how to get in if you're interested," said Alexx J. (Reprographics).

"I thought it was tight having these people come talk to us. I learned a lot!" said Aaron H. (Cachuma Lake).

"I learned that there is so much more to firefighting, Marines, barbering and being a policeman than I thought," said Sienna D. (Department of Social Services).

Congresswoman Lois Capps Meets with Summer Youth

2009-08-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

Congresswoman Capps came to Santa Barbara today to hear about how Santa Barbara County is utilizing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus) money that has been awarded to the area.

County Executive Officer Michael Brown and Supervisors Doreen Farr and Salud Carbajal welcomed the Congresswoman to the presentation of the County's implementation of the funds.

Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Ray McDonald spoke about how the money is funding the Summer Youth Jobs Program that is currently employing 56 at-risk County youth. Summer Program Coordinator Victoria Sanchez presented a slideshow of the youth working at their worksites.

Two summer interns, Sebastian C. and Elizabeth L. were working for Channel 20 at the presentation and met Congresswoman Capps.

Youth Updates: Week Four

2009-07-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

Eric M.
Cachuma Lake

What did you learn/do this week?
This week I learned on how putting picnic tables together and cutting the wood and measuring everything out.

What was the best part about Week Four?
The best part was that we did something new and that was interesting.

Alexx J.
Reprographics

What did you learn/do this week?
I just learned about my strengths, opportunities and weaknesses.

What was the best part about Week Four?
To me it was just the same as any other week.

Jonathan Z.
Cachuma Lake

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned how to use a drill saw.

What was the best part about Week Four?
Nothing really except that we are no longer weed whacking.

Elizabeth L.
Channel 20/Documentary

What did you learn/do this week?
Office work, faxing, filing, organizing, copy machine, filming and documentary.

What was the best part about Week Four?
It’s pretty much the same as Week Three. Doing a lot more filming.

Aaron Z.
Cachuma Lake

What did you learn/do this week?
Just to work more with the A Team. Paint(ed).

What was the best part about Week Four?
Talking about my check. Talking about next week.

Erick C.
Administration Building

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned how to install [a] program in [a] computer.

What was the best part about Week Four?
Communicating with my boss.

Juan L.
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned how to scan papers into the computer.

What was the best part about Week Four?
Nothing. Same thing everyday.

Sergio Gutierrez
Information Technology

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned about installing complete printer software, more about 4th floor executives and more about the social security servers.

What was the best part about Week Four?
The best part about Week Four is completely installing a new PC and getting up and ready for use in 10-15 minutes. As well as visiting an old jail in the Courthouse building.

Josh L.
Cachuma Lake

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned how to put picnic tables together.

What was the best part about Week Four?
We got videotaped and started new projects at our worksite.

Aaron H.
Cachuma Lake

What did you learn/do this week?
We built, sanded and painted tables.

What was the best part about Week Four?
We finally got to switch it up. Instead of weed whacking, we learned how to build, sand and paint tables.

Jhoane P.
Department of Social Services

What did you learn/do this week?
This week I learned how to use a laminator and how to print out file labels.

What was the best part about Week Four?
The best part is jus the fact that I am still working. I like my job.

Marlene A.
Housing and Community Development

What did you learn/do this week?
This week I learned how to do labels on the computer.

What was the best part about Week Four?
There was nothing.

Jaime D.
Mail Center

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned the route to deliver the mail to the Court.

What was the best part about Week Four?
Learning the route.

Ruben G.
Capital Projects

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned how to do formulas on Excel.

What was the best part about Week Four?
When I got on a plane and flew to Cuyama.

Kimberlee Kjar
Reprographics

What did you learn/do this week?
This week I learned to work with new machines that I’ve never seen before. It was really cool because I always learned new projects on the computer also.

What was the best part about Week Four?
The best part of this week was meeting new people at the building and working on the computer. I like working on computers.

Mario Magana
Board of Supervisors

What did you learn/do this week?
How to take notes at meetings, work on Excel and Word.

What was the best part about Week Four?
Everything so far. I had a good time working in the offices.

Sarah Delgado
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health

What did you learn/do this week?
I learned how to make a letter with proper language and structure. I also make phone calls to agencies.

What was the best part about Week Four?
More work experience.

Youth Updates: Week Three

2009-07-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Cindy E.
Public Defenders Office

What was the hardest thing you’ve done?
The hardest thing that I’ve done at my job is getting up early in the morning to get dressed and get up for work.

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
The most exciting thing I’ve done at my job is going to the Courthouse and visiting the DA’s office.

Lisbet R.
Santa Maria Law Library

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
The most exciting thing was when stamp the new books and the newspaper.
Are you enjoying your job so far?
Yes. I am enjoying this job because it's pretty easy and interesting.

Fernando L.
Growing Solutions/Transfer Station

What have you done so far at your job?
Growing solutions: irrigation, planting & potting.

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
Pulled out ice grass from the ground into two big piles.

Mario P.
Growing Solutions/Transfer Station

What have you done so far at your job?
At growing solutions we have dug holes and planted native plants, as well gathering seeds and learning about native plants. I have also learned how to plant. At the Transfer station I have swept and mopped around the machine shop and watered plants.

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
The hardest thing I have done so far is digging holes at 90 degree heat and pulling out ice weeds.

Raul Y.
Growing Solutions/Transfer Station

What have you’ve done so far at your job?
Weeding, irrigation systems, spreading mulch, potting plants and working with native plants.

What was the hardest thing you have done so far?
Drilling holes was the hardest.

Evelyn S.
Transportation Permits

What have you done so far at your job?
Filing, scanning, answered the phones, labeling, obtaining signatures, collect and distribute mail.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
Yes I love it!!!

What would make it better?
Nothing it's perfect and I would love to come back next year.

Crystal M.
Laguna Sanitation District

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
One of the hardest thing I’ve done is scanning the files and making sure that all the data is input correctly and that it’s well organized.

What would make it better?
What would make it better is if I could ocme bakc and work next year.

Jorge R.
Surveyor Office

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
The new arc maps, I get to use a program called Excel to locate man holes, pipes and cleanouts by using the old maps to find then on the arc program.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
Yes, I enjoy the people I work with they make sure I am not overwhelmed.

Tim W.
Resource Recovery

What have you done so far at your job?
My job duties have been assisting Alan Nakashima in updating the Resource Recycling Guide. I have been making calls to all parts of the County, filing paper work, taking notes in meetings, and using the computer.

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
Calling all of the different business in North County. Typing a document that your supervisor asks you to do.

Andreina B.
North County Laguna Sanitation

What have you done so far at your job?
I have scanned files and entered the data on Excel. I have learned how to label things and keep them in order. We have moved files to different folders. I have inserted data on Excel. We went to the underground piping site & the Sisquac bridge.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
Yes I am. it is such a good experience.

Martiza V.
Santa Barbara Child Support

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
I think the hardest thing I’ve done so far is scanning and uploading because scanning you need to precise on what you send it to and then uploading to the case number.

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
I think the most exciting thing is being in the front and hearing the cases that come in.

Johnny D.
Jalama Beach Maintance

What have you done so far at your job?
So far I’ve picked up trash around the beach, also on the camp sites. We clean the barbecue’s on the camp sites. Also around mowing lawns, and pull weeds for about a couple of hours.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
Yes I am. I'm meeting some cool people from different cities and towns.

Alejandro R.
Corporation Court Yard

What have you done so far at your job?
Oil change, oil filter change, air filter and help others.

What was the most exciting thing you've experienced?
Working with good people at the shop.

Luis Y.
Growing Solutions/Transfer Station

What have you done so far at your job?
I learned how to notice non-native plants. I learned how to plant native plants. I also learned irrigation and potting lots of plants.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
I’m enjoying learning stuff I never knew before.

Youth Updates: Week Three

2009-07-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Aaron Z.
Cachuma Lake
What have you done so far at your job?
I’ve done a lot of landscaping and cleaning up. My crew and I have really cleaned up and make a nice difference.

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
I have got pretty excited after work when I got done and looked at the good job well done.

Sarah D.
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services

What have you done so far at your job?
Training schedule on Excel, calling agencies, labeling, organizing files, agency drug reports and binder covers for the new fiscal year.

What would make it better?
Nothing right now; it’s good. I like my coworkers a lot; they are very friendly and hard working.

Marisa D.
General Services

What have you done so far at your job?
I have done a lot of filing, scanning and doing the mail.

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
Having my own private office with a balcony.

Alexx J.
Reprographics

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
The hardest thing I’ve done so far is using the machines at my work but I got used to using them now.

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
Nothing was really exciting to me but it was a good experience learning on how to use the machines.

Marlene A.
Housing and Community Development

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
The most exciting thing I’ve experienced is meeting new people and been around a different environment.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
Yes, I have enjoyed my job. I like the people that I work with and how they treat me.

Eric M.
Cachuma Lake

What have you done so far at your job?
We’ve done weed whacking around Cachuma Lake and picking up some trash and just cleaning around the park.

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
The most exciting thing I’ve experienced is on meeting all the new people.

What would make it better?
If we can be able to have more work hours to get more finished.

Jonathan Z.
Cachuma Lake

What have you done so far at your job?
I have been outdoors weed whacking all of the campsites.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
I think that my job is great and I’ve been enjoying [it].

Cristina S.

Department of Social Services (Santa Maria)

What have you done so far at your job?

I have answered phone calls, used computers and helped other people in the office.

What would make it better?

If it would last longer.

Juan L.
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services

What have you done so far at your job?
I copy papers and scan papers in to my computer; file paper and answer the phone once in a while.

What would make it better?
Nothing, everything is great.

Ruben G.
Capital Projects
What have you done so far at your job?
I’ve been updating maps from the county, been doing filing work and moving boxes into the storage room.

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
Putting the architectural drawings in order, but I got the hang of it now.

Pedro P.
Cachuma Lake

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
Learning new things everyday.

What would make it better?
Work at different sites.

Jaime D.
Mail Center
What have you done so far at your job?
Deliver mail around the office and to the Courthouse.

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
Remembering the route to deliver the mail.

Josh L.
Cachuma Lake

Are you enjoying your job so far?
I like being outdoors and working with my hands.

What would make it better?
If more people were there to talk to.

Aaron H.
Cachuma Lake

What was the most exciting thing you’ve experienced?
We found a dead snake that was pretty big.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
Absolutely, I love being outside and by the lake.

Sebastian C.
Channel 20
What have you done so far at your job?
Filmed and interviewed people for our documentary. I edited a [press conference] for our local channel.

Are you enjoying you job so far?
Yes, it’s very social.

Jhoana P.
Department of Social Services (Santa Barbara)

What have you done so far at your job?
So far I have been working on Powerpoint presentations and filing and book recordings.

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
The hardest thing I have done so far is on my current presentation I think I’m finding it a bit difficult to do a certain technique to add on to the presentation.

Jonathan M.
County Auto Garage

What was the hardest thin you’ve done so far?
Change the car brakes.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
Yes, it’s really fun.

Elizabeth Leon
Channel 20

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
Would have to be with filming and interviewing and editing our documentary. It’s not the hardest think I’ve done but it’s something I’ve never done before.

What would make it better?
Nothing right now; everything is good!

Mario Magana
Board of Supervisors

What have you done so far at your job?
Gone to meetings, worked on Excel and PowerPoint.

What was the most exiting thing you’ve experienced?
Meeting the Supervisors.

Clarissa Guillen
Department of Social Services (Santa Barbara)

What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
The hardest thing I have done so far was still trying to figure out Microsoft Excel.

Are you enjoying your job so far?
I am loving my job so far.

Keegan C.
Workforce Resource Center

What's the most exciting thing you've experienced?

The most exciting project I've odne so far would have to have been laminating the posters. I love making things and laminating was exciting. I had to cut down the extra plastic. It was like an art project.

Are you enjoying your job so far?

Yes, it keeps me busy. Never a dull moment.

Documentary Youth Cover Press Conference

2009-07-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors and members of the Workforce Investment Board announced the Youth Corps as the new year-round program for out-of-school youth, on Wednesday, July 15.

The program will offer training and job opportunities for at least 125 at-risk youth, while providing community service for the County. For every dollar invested in the corps, the community receives $1.60 worth of tangible work.

In Santa Barbara, Supervisors Salud Carbajal and Janet Wolf handed over an oversized $1.1 million check to Fran Forman, executive director of the Community Action Commission. Supervisor Joe Centeno in Santa Maria, handed over another big check to Carolyn Contreras of the CAC making it known that this new program will benefit youth throughout the County.

“It prepares these kids for longer-term jobs in the building and construction trades,” Ray McDonald, executive director of the WIB said. He added that a large percentage of workers in those industries are expected to retire in the next decade.

The funding comes from the Workforce Investment Act, not the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus funds). The $1.1 million will fund the program for two years which starts October 1.

“I grew up in a very challenging environment not too far from here called La Colonia in Oxnard,” Supervisor Carbajal said, adding that employment opportunities helped him during those tough times.

Those eligible for the Youth Corps will be between 14 and 21 years old and must be facing some sort of barrier such as economic disadvantages to qualify. For more information, contact Victoria Sanchez, public information specialist at the Workforce Investment Board at 681-4431.

The Youth Corps announcement and kick-off was featured on the front page of the Daily Sound, in the Santa Barbara News-Press, Santa Maria Times and Lompoc Record. It was also online at Noozhawk.com, Edhat.com and Msnbc.com. The story could be seen on news stations KSBY, KCOY and KEYT and heard on the KJEE morning show.

Interviewing Extravaganza

2009-07-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Sebastian C.

Today was the first day on the job! I interviewed two different people in completely two different locations. One location was the Santa Maria fair grounds interviewing an owner of a show sheep, and the other was in the Santa Maria Social Services office of another youth and what she does with her new job. I learned so much about the camera and how to use it. For example, what kind of light to use, how to adjust the microphones for good sound, and how to prepare questions for interviews. I had a lot of fun and really excited to learn more about the how’s and why’s of the television production environment.

Animal House

2009-07-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth L.

Today we went to Santa Maria to do a documentary on sheep and also how to interview people. I think it’s a good experience. So that was good. It felt weird and nutty being surrounded by them. I’m not a big fan of sheep. I was also trying to not get close to them because some of them were getting very vicious. I learned how to work with the camera and the rest of the equipment. I know I’ll get the hang of it. I had a lot to learn because I didn’t have much experience. It seems pretty easy when you think about it but really is not. But it’s not boring so that’s cool. The exciting part was with the sheep. It was pretty interesting. It was funny when one of them was trying to get food from a bucket that was on the other cage next to where he was, and couldn’t get it. I can tell he was hungry! I felt bad for a minute and it was really cute though. A not so exciting part would probably have to be feeling weird around the sheep. And yeah all their poop on the floor. So that was a no-no. But out of everything it was pretty fun and cool.

Straight from the Summer Youth

2009-07-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

During day two of the workshops, some youth wrote about their excitement for the Summer Program, what they hope to learn, what they would be doing if they didn't have a job and what their dream careers are.

Clarissa G.
16 years old
"The most exciting thing about having a job this summer is making money. I never have any money so this is good. My ultimate dream job is to be a firefighter in the Marines."

Kimberlee K.
16 years old
"The most exciting thing is getting paid and just having something to do because I usually don’t have anything to do." Kimberlee wants to be a pediatrician.

Eric M.
16 years old
Eric wants to be "more responsible and to know how to prepare myself on a job, and just learn new techniques." He wants to eventually work on customizing cars.

Josh L.
18 years old
Josh wants to "learn everything this work place has to offer. My ultimate dream job is underwater welding or customizing cars and motorcycles."

Pedro P.
17 years old
"You know that if you are working you could stay out of trouble and looking forward on getting money." If he didn't have a job this summer, Pedro would be at home spending time with his family.

Jhoana Perez
17 years old
"I think the most exciting thing about having a job this summer is the anticipation of receiving your first check. My ultimate dream job is owning my own business and to at least just be happy with where I am working and earn a good source of income."

Aaron H.
17 years old
"The most exciting thing about having a job this summer is that I will be staying busy, staying out of trouble, learning a lot of new things and saving money for college when I start in a few months. If I did not have this job I would be staying at camp all day doing work crews. I wouldn’t be learning as much and I wouldn’t be making any money. This is a much better opportunity for me. "

Marisa D.
16 years old
"The most exciting thing about having a job this summer is that I wouldn’t be bored stuck at home figuring out what to do and also to have money in my pocket. I hope to learn everything I need to know in the job industry and also feel like I am independent."

Juan L.
18 years old
Juan wants to earn money and "learn something new." His goal is to become a barber.

Aaron Z.
18 years old
Aaron wants "the money" and "the experience." He likes sports and would possibly like to be a professional sports player or store owner.

Elizabeth H.
17 years old
Elizabeth wants to be an interior designer. This summer she wants to "make money on my own and be independent."

Sienna D.
17 years old
"I think the most exciting thing about having a job is getting the experience of working and getting paid. I hope to learn how to work for my money instead of asking my parents for it."

Erick C.
17 years old
With the job the program offers, Erick will "be able to buy my baby nice things and be able to take my girlfriend and my baby to a nice place to have a good time."

Alexx J.
17 years old
At the end of the program Alexx want to have "the integrity and the responsibilities I need into having a good job. His dream job would be in a "high paying job in a business office or do something in music like becoming a music producer."

Mario M.
17 years old
Mario wants to "learn new things and start my life as an adult." If he wasn't in the program he would be "finishing my community service hours and getting through as many books as possible."

Elizabeth L.
18 years old
"Since it’s my first job, I’m very excited." Elizabeth wants to be a nurse and "having everything I dream of that comes with my dream job."

Sebastian C.
18 years old
"It’s always nice to have that respect that you have a job. Also it’s very nice to have money in the bank. I would want my dream job to be a career ... make a lot of money doing something I love. "

Julio O.
17 years old
Julio wants to make "money to support myself but mainly to support my son and girlfriend." He hopes to learn new skills and one day become a barber.

Greg R.
18 years old
Greg wants to be a songwriter. If he didn't have a job this summer, he would be "hanging in the streets and looking for a job."

Jonathan Z.
17 years old
"The most exciting thing is knowing that I will stay busy and out of trouble. I would hope to learn more about the responsibilities of having a job." Jonathan wants to be a lawyer.

Ruben G.
18 years old
Ruben is excited about "being able to have money and save up for college. He wants to eventually "start my own business with my step-dad in construction."

Jonathan M.
17 years old
"The most exciting thing about having a job this summer is the money that is going to come in my pocket. If I didn’t have a job, I would probably be in my couch watching George Lopez and eating cereal." Jonathan wants to be a Marine.

Follow us on Twitter!

2009-06-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

We've just joined Twitter! Follow us at http://twitter.com/sbsummeryouth for program details and the latest student updates.

Supervisors Approve Summer Youth Jobs

2009-05-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

P R E S S R E L E A S E
CEO No. 09–006
April 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Media Contact:
William Boyer, Communications Director
(805) 568-3400
wboyer@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
OR
Raymond McDonald, Executive Director, Workforce Investment Board
(805) 681-4453

Santa Barbara County Supervisors Approve Summer Youth Jobs

A Summer Youth Jobs Program co-sponsored by Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Salud Carbajal and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Centeno, Board Chair, today, April 21, 2009, received unanimous support from the full Board of Supervisors. The effort will help employ about 40 youths, ages 16 to 18, with summer jobs in various County departments.

Funding for the program comes from the federal American Recovery & Reinvestment Act recently signed by President Obama, but the program’s genesis began more than a year ago when supervisors Carbajal and Centeno began working with city representatives, school officials and others throughout the county to address the issues and challenges of finding jobs for youth. The Board voted 4-0 for the project, with Fourth District Supervisor Joni Gray absent.

“The Summer Youth Jobs program is a piece of the puzzle we began working on a year ago to create a comprehensive effort at improving youth employment opportunities and their successful transition to the workforce,” Supervisor Carbajal said. “On a larger, more strategic scale, we recently initiated the Out-Of-School jobs program, so when the stimulus funding became available we were able to immediately apply that to the Summer Youth Jobs effort to provide some job skills training in public service.”

Board Chair Centeno said the program is a “win-win” for the County and local youths. “It’s a great match,” Centeno said. “We create jobs for youths without spending General Fund monies to help them earn a wage while learning about how the public sector serves the community.”

Employment begins July 6 and runs through August 28, 2009. The youths will work about 25 hours per week, earning $8 per hour. The program will allow various County departments to create temporary jobs for the youth where they will learn about County government, as well as various professions like engineering, medical and video production, coupled with knowledge about the operations and organization of the specific department they are working for and the overall goals and ideals of public service.

Application information from the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is available by calling Leonard Gonzales, Summer Youth Coordinator, at (805) 681-4453. The County’s Workforce Investment Board, Department of Social Services, will administer the program. Successful applicants must meet economically disadvantaged guidelines and special outreach is being made to foster care youth, at-risk youths and others with disabilities or other barriers.

In addition, earlier this month the WIB announced its request for proposals for the much larger, $1 million comprehensive Out-of-School Youth jobs program. The goal is to give youth the skills and experience needed to find—and keep—employment and become successful members of the regular workforce. This program would run for 24 months, from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2011. Bids are due back to the County by 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2009.