Jackson Free Press

The success of the city's Summer Youth Employment Program depends on the number of local businesses who hire young people, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said at a press conference Friday.

Each year, hundreds of teens between the ages of 16 and 19 apply for summer jobs through the city's program. This year, more than 900 young people have applied for a summer job, but the City can only hire about 225 of the applicants.

"We are challenging Jackson businesses to hire one or more students in the 2011 Summer Youth Employment Program, to help equip Jackson's youth with the structure, job training and experience they need to succeed," said Mayor Johnson.

The City of Jackson will match companies and students based on the needs of the company and the students' skills. To participate in the youth, youth must be drug-free, enrolled in an academic or trade school program, and must complete workshop in workplace ethics and personal money management.

The program lasts for eight weeks and begins June 1, 2011. Prospective employers must commit to $1,160.00 for each youth worker ($7.25 per hour for four hours per day, five days per week, for eight weeks).

For more information, call the City of Jackson's Family and Youth Division at 601-960-0326.