The federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocated over $4.3 million dollars to Iowa for the implementation of the Youth Summer Employment program. This exciting new program will offer summer employment options to youth ages 14-24 across Iowa. From office work to community assistance, youth will be offered a wide-range of employment options.

“This program is a great asset for Iowa’s youth,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “We will be able to help those teens and families who are in need of extra income in today’s economy.”

Eligibility for this program will require the following:

1. Be age 14-24
2. Be a citizen of the U.S., a lawfully admitted permanent resident alien, a lawfully admitted refugee or parolee or an individual authorized by the Attorney General to work in the United States.
3. Meet one or more of the following: a school dropout, homeless, runaway or foster child, pregnant or parenting, an offender, or be deficient in basic literacy skills (have English reading, writing or computing skills at or below the eighth grade level).
4. Be registered for the selective service (if applicable).

This new program will run from May 1st through September 30th. More information regarding enrollment and employment options is available on Iowa Workforce Development’s new youth Web site, www.youthforiowa.org.