Federal dollars will serve 1,050 young people in the City of Atlanta
Mayor Kasim Reed announced Wednesday that the City of Atlanta will receive more than $3.3 million in funding from the Georgia Department of Labor and the Georgia Department of Human Services for the creation of summer jobs for eligible teenagers between the ages of 14-18. The funds will serve 1,050 youth in the City of Atlanta this summer.
The allocation is part of nearly $34 million in federal American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) dollars received by the State of Georgia to fund work experience opportunities for young people who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services. The funds will be made available in partnership with the State’s 20 Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs). The funding period for the 2010 TANF/ARRA Summer Youth Program is from March 15, 2010 through September 30, 2010.
“This grant will enable our youth to have an opportunity to gain invaluable work experience,” Mayor Kasim Reed said. “Early exposure to work opportunities can foster leadership skills and be a character training and development experience.”
“I am truly excited about what this grant can do for our youth. Summer jobs enhance a young person’s chances of long-term success in the workplace. Taking care of our youth is essential in creating, strengthening and maintaining healthy communities,” Mayor Reed added.
The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) will administer the $3.3 million in grant money to appropriate organizations for the employment of eligible youth. For more information, please contact the AWDA office at 404. 658.9675.
Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond, in a letter to Mayor Reed, expressed his support of employment opportunities for young people. “We look forward to another successful year of providing summer work experience opportunities for Georgia’s youth and applaud your dedication and leadership.”
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