Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter



CAT Tracks for June 29, 2008
SUMMER YOUTH WORKS 2008

That's all fine and dandy, but Alexander and Pulaski Counties lead the poverty list.

So, Governor...come on down!


From the Southern Illinoisan...


Governor unveils 350 summer jobs for region's youth

By Laura Chapman, The Southern

MARION - Gov. Rod Blagojevich came to Marion on Saturday to talk about a summer program that will provide 350 jobs to Southern Illinois youth.

The Summer Youth Works 2008 program will provide summer jobs for youth ages 13 to 22 throughout Southern Illinois, Blagojevich said during a celebration at Man-Tra-Con in Marion's Illinois Centre mall.

Blagojevich said summer jobs teach young adults important life skills, and can prevent children from getting involved in dangerous activities. Growing up in Chicago, he said, having a job helped set him on a good life path.

"I wouldn't be governor today if I didn't have an opportunity to do something constructive," he said.

The program will provide much-needed jobs to youth in Southern Illinois, said Kathy Lively, executive director of Man-Tra-Con in Marion. With few job options, she said, many adults are working the jobs youth once held.

Through the program, young adults can learn about different career fields and keep an interest in the community, Lively said.

"We need to keep you here," she said to the boys and girls at the celebration. "We don't need for you to leave."

Said Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard, "These kids are the most important products" of Southern Illinois.

"When a teen holds a summer job, she not only makes a wage, she also learns about herself," Poshard said.

The governor said Southern Illinois is in great need for economic development because four of the state's five poorest counties are in Southern Illinois.

Bringing in summer jobs for youth is something that can be done now while the legislature works to create more job opportunities to stimulate the economy.

In the region, there will be 50 jobs in Carbondale, 50 jobs in Marion, 50 jobs in Sparta and 200 jobs at Shawnee National Forest, the governor said.

The program will offer a variety of jobs to young adults. Youth ages 13 to 15 will earn a stipend and work fewer hours while they do community service-oriented work, such as working with small children or at a retirement home, Blagojevich said.

Older program participants will earn an hourly salary, work more hours and have jobs with more responsibilities than the younger participants, he said.

The governor said he hoped Southern Illinois youth would start applying soon, because jobs will start to open July 1.

"Get your applications in now," he said. "The jobs are there."

laura.chapman@thesouthern.com / 351-5816


Summer Youth Works 2008

Youths 13 to 15 will work 20 hours per week and receive a $250 stipend at the end of their experience.

Teens 16 to 18 will work 20 hours per week at $8 an hour.

Young adults 19 to 22 will work 25 hours a week and earn $10 per hour.

To inquire about a job through the state's Summer Youth Works 2008, call (800) 843-6154.