Federal Stimulus funds go to summer jobs programs

Federal officials have greatly expanded eligibility for a summer jobs program for young people ages 14 through 23. Now young people from households with yearly incomes up to 600 percent of the Federal Poverty Level for Hawaii can qualify. Applications can be downloaded at hawaii.gov/labor/wdd/summer-youth-employment-program.  

Under the state program, summer jobs at government agencies and nonprofit organizations are 100 percent supported by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Federal Stimulus Funds. Nonprofit organizations can participate, get free help this summer and train a young person to succeed in life. To participate in the state program, the organization must complete a Worksite Request Form (see attached) and fax it to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, (808) 586-8822.

The program provides summer jobs for young people who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Attending a Title I school designated as having a high percentage of students from low-income families
• Receiving free or reduced-price lunches
• In a household receiving public cash assistance
• In a household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food stamp benefits
• In a household with a gross annual income at or below 600 percent of the federal poverty level for Hawaii

The jobs will be available from late May through September. The DLIR Workforce Development Division is the employer of record and is responsible for payment of wages and fringe benefits. DLIR will also provide any necessary safety equipment, including shoes, hard hats and goggles, required for the job.

City also offers a summer jobs program

The City and County of Honolulu also has a summer job program. The deadline for nonprofits to apply to become a worksite was May 28. The Department of Community Services 2010 Summer Work Opportunity Program will provide employment for 400 economically disadvantaged young people, ages 14 to 23 from June 14 through September 17.

Program participants will earn $8 an hour and learn work readiness and job skills for 30 hours per week at worksites located island-wide, hosted by government and private nonprofit organizations. Click here for more information and to download a worksite application.