Stimulus provides $8.7 million to fund summer jobs for area youths

The unemployment rate for 16- to-19-year-olds hit 21 percent last year, a level not seen for that age group since 1992. This year, a little extra boost from the federal government may get to a larger portion of that group, and their slightly older and younger peers, find gainful employment for at least the summer.

Illinois will receive about $53 million in federal stimulus money to create jobs for those 14 to 24 now until Sept. 30. Illinois workNet centers in suburban Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties will dole out about $8.7 million of that total to area employers looking for temporary summer help. The stimulus dollars will pay the wages for the workers just in time for the July 1 minimum wage increase to $8 per hour. In trade, the businesses get some help and the chance to provide a lasting impact on a young person's resume, said Dee Reinhardt of the Kane County Department of Employment and Education.

"The main purpose of this is that a business will be able to mentor a youth within our age range to help show them job skills they might not otherwise get," Reinhardt said. "They can teach the soft skills - showing up to work on time, being able to get to work, communicating with a supervisor and learning how to ask questions so that they understand assigned tasks."

Reinhardt said the workNet centers also want youths to apply so they can match them up with businesses who apply for the seasonal stimulus help. Youths from underprivileged backgrounds and returning military veterans are being targeted in particular for employment through the stimulus funding, she said.

In previous summer programs, Kane County's Illinois workNet locations have found jobs for about 600 youths. Reinhardt said she expects to place at least that many this year. Kane County area youths and employers can get more information and apply by calling (630) 208-1854. Those outside Kane County can locate their local Illinois workNet center at illinoisworknet.com.