Summer Youth Employment Update

With the summer coming to a close, and school underway, reflections on summer experiences come to fruition. Several local youth have experienced a number of particularly unique accomplishments, thanks to the Summer Youth Employment Program. Program participants are really making a difference in their respective communities, while learning valuable work experience.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is a key component in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), with the goal of developing work maturity skills across the nation. The Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board granted the funding for this program to the Private Industry Council earlier this year.

In Ligonier, Alexandria Grab and David Komoroski have been working hard on a few exciting projects. Grab has been creating a professionally produced board game for the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. The game itself will meet, or exceed, some of the necessary elementary education standards of learning required by the PA Department of Ed. "The game will be distributed to 55 schools along the Lincoln highway," Olga Herbert, supervisor for the Corridor explains "The hope is that children will use this fun game, but also learn a little bit as well."

Komoroski also offered his talents in the creation of a book that documents the "Roadside Giants" project and its unique effect on the region. This project was designed to give area Career and Technology Center (CTC) students the opportunity to make a lasting mark on the Lincoln Highway by creating large landscape sculptures depicting objects inspired by history. Several area CTC students worked on the project, capturing the essence of yesterday's Lincoln Highway for today's travelers. Some of the sculptures created weigh over 1 ton, while others span above 25 feet high.

Kris Baker, Park Ranger for the Keystone State Park , couldn't be happier with the Summer Youth Employment Program. "The three kids we have on hand are phenomenal," says Kris "I enjoy the fact that we have the opportunity to treat these youth like adults and teach them valuable life lessons along the way." Joshua Short, a youth summer employment participant who is currently employed at Keystone State Park hopes to get a job there seasonally after the summer ends. The workers employed at the state park have participated in several activities, including landscaping and masonry, as well as conventional tasks in the custodial field. "I would really enjoy the opportunity to utilize this program again," Baker explains "It is very positive."

In Belle Vernon, Jason Zadrozny also couldn't speak highly enough of the program and the nine workers associated with it under his supervision. "All of them are eager to try everything." Zadrozny went on to explain that the program has helped the school district as a whole because of the fact that the school would've had to hire substitutes to work these shifts.

Krista Badac and Jimmy Baker are enjoying themselves while getting valuable experience out in New Kensington working as camp counselors for a local theater. Both of them helped put on a production of "Grease" which took place on August 14, 2009 and involved 82 camp participants.