Menino Launches Summer Jobs Program
Push On To Find Teens Work
POSTED: 4:10 pm EDT June 30, 2008
UPDATED: 5:17 pm EDT June 30, 2008
Email
Print
BOSTON -- In this tough economy, summer jobs are tougher to find than ever.NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported Monday that the push is on in Boston to make sure teens get every opportunity available."What would you be doing this summer if you didn't have this job?" Wu asked.
VIDEO: Menino Launches Summer Jobs Program"Sleeping, doing absolutely nothing," said Trisha Nicholas, of Project Rise."Probably working somewhere else, at the Tobin or just playing basketball," said camp counselor Selvin Chambers."I would probably try to find another job, but it's really hard. All the college students are back and they're taking up most of the jobs," said Barbara Beach, of Artist for Humanity.Mayor Tom Menino, John Hancock and the Boston Globe launched a $1 million, 500 summer jobs program. Menino hopes to match last summer's record of 10,000 jobs in the city for teenagers despite dire predictions.A Northeastern University study predicts this summer only about one-third of all 16- to 19-year-olds will find employment in the U.S. This compares to just eight years ago when the same number was 45 percent. Those who have graduated from the program say it's not just about the money."An experience like this will completely change your perspective on education, and I believe will encourage you to aim for bigger and better things in life," said Boston Summer Scholars graduate Luis Rivera."What do you think you're going to get out of this summer besides $1,500?" Wu asked."Learn to communicate with other adults and children," camp counselor Geo Morgan said."A lot of companies are laying off folks. Small restaurants are cutting back because the cost of food and product has gone out of sight," Menino said.And if you're a young black male, it's even tougher. Last year, only 19 percent of African-Americans coming from households earning less than $20,000 got a summer job. Forty-six percent, however, of white teenagers from families earning more than $60,000 landed employment.
VIDEO: Menino Launches Summer Jobs Program"Sleeping, doing absolutely nothing," said Trisha Nicholas, of Project Rise."Probably working somewhere else, at the Tobin or just playing basketball," said camp counselor Selvin Chambers."I would probably try to find another job, but it's really hard. All the college students are back and they're taking up most of the jobs," said Barbara Beach, of Artist for Humanity.Mayor Tom Menino, John Hancock and the Boston Globe launched a $1 million, 500 summer jobs program. Menino hopes to match last summer's record of 10,000 jobs in the city for teenagers despite dire predictions.A Northeastern University study predicts this summer only about one-third of all 16- to 19-year-olds will find employment in the U.S. This compares to just eight years ago when the same number was 45 percent. Those who have graduated from the program say it's not just about the money."An experience like this will completely change your perspective on education, and I believe will encourage you to aim for bigger and better things in life," said Boston Summer Scholars graduate Luis Rivera."What do you think you're going to get out of this summer besides $1,500?" Wu asked."Learn to communicate with other adults and children," camp counselor Geo Morgan said."A lot of companies are laying off folks. Small restaurants are cutting back because the cost of food and product has gone out of sight," Menino said.And if you're a young black male, it's even tougher. Last year, only 19 percent of African-Americans coming from households earning less than $20,000 got a summer job. Forty-six percent, however, of white teenagers from families earning more than $60,000 landed employment. Copyright 2009 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
