Community Leaders Focus on Getting Young People Summer Jobs

From left to right: Teresa Johnson - Northwest Community Consortium, Tomas Evangelista - Urban League, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, Kevin Jones - Mayor's Office, West Palm Beach Commissioner Cory Neering.

Be Pro-active. That’s the message behind an effort to find summer jobs for young people between the ages of 16 and 25.

This is the same age group that, according to media reports, made up the majority of victims of several summer shootings last year in the city.

Community and religious leaders, together with the city are hoping that by specifically focusing on that age group, and calling on employers to come together in an effort to offer jobs, it will increase the number of young men and women choosing a productive path this summer.

It is also a long term investment in the future. Summer jobs and skills can translate into more permanent jobs.

The more young men and women that choose a path of responsibility, the hope is the greater the odds they will stay out of harm's way.

On May 21st, a special job fair aimed at youth ages 16-25 will be held at Gaines Park, 1501 N. Australian Avenue. The event begins at 9:00am. The effort is part of West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio’s Village Initiative.

Employers will have openings in jobs suitable for young people ages 16 to 25. This age group has been a critical focus of efforts to ensure youth are employed over the summer, and hopefully year round.

Any youth who wants to find a summer job can register to attend by visiting wpb.org/jobfair2016.

Any employers who are looking for candidates can also visit wpb.org/jobfair2016.

For employers this is a unique chance to meet and get to know motivated and responsible young adults.