County Funds 100 Summer Jobs

Charleston County Council voted Tuesday to fund 100 jobs for a second year through its Summer Youth Work Program.

Charleston County residents age 16-21 who are currently attending school and looking for summer employment may be interested in attending one of three recruitment sessions in May to apply for the 2012 program.

"Last year’s program was so successful that it was an easy decision to bring it back again this year," said Teddie E. Pryor Sr., Charleston County Council Chairman. "The abundance of applications we received showed us there is a serious need for summer employment opportunities in our county."

The 2012 program will be expanded to a seven-week program that will run from Monday, June 4 to Thursday, July 16. In addition, it will include a two-day orientation where Workplace Readiness Skills will be presented by Charleston County Government and S.C. State Library training staff. 

The County expects to be able to fund up to 100 students who want to get work experience this summer. The goal is for students to obtain summer employment and explore the various career opportunities that exist within County departments, while gaining critical workforce skills.

"The program will provide an opportunity for high school and college students to explore possible careers, have a meaningful employment experience and develop essential Work Readiness Skills," said Sonnie Robinson, who coordinates the program for the County. "The purpose is to give our youth a positive work experience today and help to build our economy for tomorrow."

Applications will only be accepted in person at recruitment sessions. The dates and locations of the sessions will be publicized as soon as they have been confirmed, which will likely be in May.

Student eligibility requirements for the Summer Youth Work Program are:

• Age 16-21
• Currently attending high school or college
• Residents of Charleston County

Visit the Charleston County website at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government and the 2012 Summer Youth Work Program.