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Walker announces $500K for Youth Employment program

Published  June 18, 2013 7:40pm CDT
Scott Walker
FOX 6 Now Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker visited the Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club in Milwaukee on Tuesday, June 18th to announce $500,000 in funds to support the Governor’s Summer Youth Employment program.

“The investments we make today in tomorrow’s workforce, particularly in the city of Milwaukee, will help strengthen the city’s economy,” Governor Walker said.  “The Summer Youth Employment program is a win-win for Milwaukee employers and area youths.  As participating workers gain valuable summer job experience and earn a paycheck, local employers have a source of local talent to fill their seasonal employment needs and operate effectively.”

The program will support local summer work placements for at least 225 Milwaukee teens and young adults ages 14 to 24.  The Governor directed the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to award $500,000 in funding to the Milwaukee-area Workforce Investment Board and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, which will jointly administer the program.  The funding includes $422,000 in general purpose revenue and $78,000 in discretionary funding available through the Workforce Investment Act.

"My goal each year is to provide thousands of summer jobs for young people in Milwaukee,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.  "Nine years ago when this program started, it was to provide hope in the lives of young people.  Since that time, we have provided a meaningful work experience to more than 16,500 young adults.  It takes significant support from the private sector, and strong collaboration from the State and non-profit community to accomplish this goal each year.  Programs such as Governor Walker’s are helping us reach our goal.  Having the state government be a partner in creating opportunity for youth is both important and appreciated."

Highlights of Governor Walker’s Summer Youth Employment program include:


    The Summer Youth Employment program is an example of the significant investments we are making to develop Milwaukee’s workforce, support job creation, and strengthen the local economy.  The DWD is a partner in the Governor’s Transform Milwaukee initiative, which is spearheaded by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, to restore and grow Milwaukee’s economy.