D.C. Summer Youth Program Pays 15,000 Teens, Extending a 1979 Jobs Initiative
Updated
Updated · WTOP · Jul 9
D.C. Summer Youth Program Pays 15,000 Teens, Extending a 1979 Jobs Initiative
1 articles · Updated · WTOP · Jul 9
Summary
15,000 District teens and young adults are receiving paychecks this summer through D.C.'s Summer Youth Employment Program, one of the city's largest youth work initiatives.
Founded in 1979 by then-Mayor Marion Barry, the program was designed to give young people paid work, learning opportunities and pathways to future success.
Jeffrey Myers, a recent high school graduate heading to North Carolina State, said the program blends classroom instruction with field work as he coaches children in grades 3 through 7.
Myers, who has participated since eighth grade, said the program helped him secure scholarships, speak before members of Congress and travel for baseball—illustrating its longer-term impact beyond summer pay.