Southbury Putting Its Youth to Work

Several Southbury teens have a summer job with the town this year, thanks to a program that provides employment for young students across the state.

The town has partnered with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board and New Opportunities, Inc. to provide summer jobs for five local students under the State Youth Employment Program. 

Led by Southbury’s Social Services Director Sandy Saren and Pomperaug High School Career Center Coordinator Leslie Belval five students were identified and selected for the program and began working this month.  The state-funded grant pays each student minimum wage, $8.25/hour, for 20 hours a week over a six-week time period.

The selected students will have a variety of roles, including helping out in town hall, the library and the Audubon Center at Bent of the River. Another student, who is enrolled in the automotive program at Bristol Tech, will be working alongside the town’s Master Mechanic and another will be working with outside property crews in various town parks.

“The Town of Southbury is fortunate to have such willing partners to help provide a meaningful summer learning and working experience for our local students,” said Southbury First Selectman Ed Edelson.

As the summer progresses, the town will review and evaluate the program for next year in the hopes of expanding the opportunities to include more businesses and organizations, and identify special projects to be completed by next summer’s applicants, according to Edelson.