For The Future, It Starts With Jobs For Youth
County Executive Alsobrooks To Launch Greater Focus On Youth Employment, Summer Jobs
By Raoul Dennis
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks wants to make an impact on the county’s future workforce with a renewed focus on young people and a seismic shift in how the county does business with youth employment matters.
She will start with an effort doubling the number of jobs provided to youth this summer.
The county executive has initiated awareness of her initiatives through local media and a number of key individuals and business groups, including The Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable. The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce and the Bowie Chamber of Commerce are also partnered with the effort. Ms. Alsobrooks intends to make clear her vision, strategy and call to action at a Prince George’s County Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) breakfast Jan. 30 with community and business leaders. She will outline a partnership opportunity between local businesses and communities in getting young people (starting at age 14 and up to age 22) engaged in their first job experiences. Some 100 business leaders are expected to attend.
“SYEP is an amazing opportunity for both our young county residents and for businesses,” Alsobrooks shared in an outreach message. “Students go through the program and learn basic job skills through job readiness training provided by the county. The summer employment opportunity allows young people to put that training and classroom learning into action. Young people leave this program college-and-career ready, changing their future and building a new generation of leaders here in Prince George’s County.”
The Alsobrooks Administration seeks area businesses to participate in SYEP by hiring young people who are in the program.
“To provide these life-changing opportunities, we need the help of our business partners,” Ms. Alsobrooks says. “Through your engagement and partnership with the Prince George’s County government, you can make a difference for our youth. We need you to join us by committing to hire SYEP youth for employment opportunities this coming summer, showing them that we are dedicated to investing in their future.”
The county executive’s call benefits participating businesses as well.
“By partnering with us you can meet your hiring needs for the summer with SYEP talent. You will also build a relationship with our local government and other partners who assist. Finally, you are investing in the future workforce for both your own business and for Prince George’s County,” Alsobrooks says.
