Program would create 4,000 summer jobs for youth in DeKalb
- 4/15/10
- Categorized in: Business, DeKalb News
Hank Johnson has helped the Barack Obama administration take the first step to curb rampant unemployment among Black teens across the country, including the congressman’s 4th District, which covers most of DeKalb County.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed funding that would give $600 million, including more than $18 million in Georgia, to the Summer Youth Jobs Program. The program needs approval in the U.S. Senate before the money is available.
“It’s clear that the African-American community is bearing the brunt of this recession, as 39.3 percent of Black teens in my district are unemployed,” Johnson said in a teleconference on April 9. “This will allow us to be able to directly tackle the problem of youth unemployment in Georgia.”
The national unemployment rate for all American teens is 26 percent, Jared Bernstein, chief economist to Vice President Joe Biden, said in the teleconference.
“This is particularly important when the unemployment rate among teens is so high,” Bernstein said. “This program sets off teens on a career path and provides training and work readiness.”
If funding is approved, the program would create about 200,000 jobs nationwide, Bernstein said. He said depending on how swiftly the Senate takes action, the money is expected to be available at the beginning of the summer. Last year’s Recovery Act created 300,000 jobs for teens.
Johnson said the funding will create more than 4,000 jobs for teens in the 4th District. He also stressed the importance of the census and urged residents to fill out and return the forms to give an accurate account of the employment picture in Georgia.
“It’s important for us to make sure we have a full and accurate account in the census,” Johnson said. “This is the kind of federal program that is reliant upon figures derived from the census count.”
With jobs created in administration and clerical work, maintenance, education, recreation and other areas, Johnson is confident the Summer Youth Jobs Program will play a part in the county’s economic recovery.
“I’m sure we’ll see an uptick in the number of people seeking employment,” Johnson said.
The money will be made available through the U.S. Department of Labor and filter down to individual states, based on demographics.
tha is entirely too much information about yourself for public viewing..
A mother
Ms.Cook
People who take the above approach seem to find it easier to label others as racist or unsympathy and then cry foul rather than do the hardwork necessary to help themselves. You have to be willing to put in some effort to help yourself. It is not Congressman Johnson's nor anyother elected officials job to bring programs, and other benefits to your doorstep. Can it be that "laziness and loafing" is a human condition and not exclusive to some "minority groups"?
If you are in need of assistance for whatever the reason, unemployment, lack of training, poor medical condition, etc., why don't you visit the agency that handles a particular program and simply apply. You can call the Congressman's office, you can look it up on the web, you can call the newspaper, etc. Once you have done any or all of these things you may learn how to qualify and meet the requirements, perhaps receive the help that you so desparately need.
Stop looking to others, to do what you will not do for yourself.........
There are plenty of programs out there to help adults to obtain jobs and get training if you don't mind being flexible about the kinds of job you work. I used the department of Labor and found many opportunities at that time. They were't in my pay range or exactly what I wanted to do, but when you really want a job you have to be flexible.
We are not entitled to a job. We have to seek it. Help is available for those who need it and want it.
The information for disadvantaged teens are below:
TeenWork Hotline
888-884-4712 GeorgiaTeenWork@dhr.state.ga.us
Program Dates
June 1 - July 31, 2010
Application Deadline
4/30/10
Thanks,
Working mom needs
working teen
All disadvantage teens will benefit, but I am glad that the emphasis was made on the black teens. When you look at the incarceration statistics and all the other negative statistics facing black teens you will understand.
The respondants who felt picked on should look at the facts. We can't afford to center on our own situation. My teen will not qualify to participate because he does not have the income requirements and he is black. But I am happy for those who do qualify and will have a chance. And I am spreading this news to those I believe can benefit.