Summer Youth get real work experience this summer
Submitted by the Waukegan Park District
The Waukegan Park District summer youth program began in 2016 with 14 jobs and has grown to 46 jobs this summer. Twenty six young people ages 14-17 are working in the parks department, maintaining playgrounds and beautifying the parks, thanks to a Lake County Workforce Development Program partnership with the City of Waukegan. They will work at the District they began June 18 and will work through July 27. Another 20 young people are working in the recreation department, leading summer camp activities and cleaning facilities. They began June 11 and will work through Aug. 3.
"I wish to thank our partners, Lake County Workforce Development and the City of Waukegan for enabling us to triple the number of available summer jobs for youth," Marc Jones, President of the Waukegan Park District Board, said. "We understand that the more youth we empower with the ability to work, be productive, and earn an honest wage enhances not only those employees, but the community as a whole. By exposing these young people to the wonderful field of Parks and Recreation, they may feel inspired to pursue careers in the field and return to our district after college as future managers, superintendents or perhaps even an executive director."
For most of the youth, participation in the summer youth program is a first job. There are not only obvious financial benefits, but also life lessons. These young adults learn good work habits, teamwork, leadership, and, most important of all, they are involved in improving their community.
Commissioner George Bridges summarized the program saying, "This is a great program initiated by the park district that focuses on the children of our community. Not only does this give these youth an opportunity to earn money while cultivating a good work ethic, it allows them to work with staffers that are true role models."
All of the jobs are 20 hours per week and the workers are paid minimum wage.
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