Charlotte Expands Youth Jobs Program for Ages 14-18 as U.S. Teen Hiring Falls to 790,000
Updated
Updated · Kiss 95.1 · Jun 24
Charlotte Expands Youth Jobs Program for Ages 14-18 as U.S. Teen Hiring Falls to 790,000
2 articles · Updated · Kiss 95.1 · Jun 24
Summary
Charlotte widened its Mayor’s Youth Employment Program to ages 14 through 18, adding flexible two-, four- and six-week placements that now run year-round instead of only in summer.
Just 790,000 teen jobs are expected nationwide this summer—the lowest hiring total in more than 70 years—as inflation, higher oil prices and AI cut into seasonal staffing.
More than 1,200 teenagers have already sought spots, but the city says it is still short of host employers even as it works toward 1,000 career experiences.
Last summer’s teen openings fell more than 25%, with theme parks, hotels, camps, restaurants, retailers and event operators all pulling back, leaving cities and community groups to fill more of the gap.