St Louis Area Job Openings for Youth this Summer

Thousands of youths are filling St Louis area job openings this summer.

Gov. Jay Nixon recently launched the 2010 Missouri Summer Jobs Program, which will provide youths across the state with work experience in the form of paid internships. More than 4,000 people ages 14 to 24 are taking part in the program.

The program is aimed at youths who face overwhelming challenges, such as homelessness, disabilities or economic stress.

This is the second major summer youth employment initiative in Missouri this year. The State Parks Youth Corps provided 1,300 youths with jobs at state parks and historic sites throughout the state.

"Despite the clear signs of Missouri's economic recovery, high unemployment among our youthful Missouri workforce remains a challenge," Nixon said. "Through the Missouri Summer Jobs Program and its counterpart, the State Parks Youth Corps Program, we are turning that challenge into an opportunity for our young people.

"Through these programs, thousands of young Missourians will not only obtain a quality job for the summer, but will also gain invaluable workplace experience to help prepare them for 21^st-century careers," he added.

The Missouri Summer Jobs Program is being funded by an $18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by way of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.