Employers who would like to have some free help this summer and young people looking for a job might want to look into a program being paid for by federal stimulus money.
Stimulus money coming to the Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments will enable it to pay the salaries of about 700 people in six counties through its Summer Youth Employment Program.
In Forsyth County, people ages 15 to 24 are eligible. In Stokes, Surry, Yadkin, Davie and Rockingham counties, it is open to ages 16 to 24.
Both businesses and nonprofit organizations may submit proposals to have young people work with them. Small businesses, in particular, are encouraged to apply, said Deon Carter, the manager of the council's Youth Workforce Development Program.
"This is kind of an initiative to help small businesses," he said. "I think it's a wonderful program."
Employers will be responsible for providing training and supervision, and the program will pay the employees $7.25 an hour.
"The wages are all coming under the stimulus funding," Carter said.
Employers have until June 1 to submit a proposal.
Those hoping to get a job through the program need to act more quickly. They have to apply by April 17.
Application forms for potential employers and employees are available at the Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments' Web site. So far, 400 to 500 young people have applied for the program, Carter said, and in addition to giving young people jobs, it can provide a chance to get a taste of careers that they might be interested in pursuing.
"For young people, it's a wonderful opportunity," he said.
People who are still in school will be employed for two months during the summer. Those not in school are eligible for up to eight months of employment.
The Council of Governments also is working with other organizations to help spread the word to people who may be interested.
In Stokes County, for instance, where up to 150 people could be hired, Forsyth Technical Community College has been passing along information about the program to people in its GED study programs.
"We're just a partner who is trying to help young people get a job," said Ann Watts, the director of Stokes County operations for Forsyth Tech. "We have access to a lot of out-of-school youth."
■ Kim Underwood can be reached at 727-7389 or at kunderwood@wsjournal.com.
■ The Northwest Piedmont Council of Government's Web site is www.nwpcog.org.
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