The Career Development Office (CDO) is expanding the Youth Employment and Training Program (YETP). YETP II is designed to equip low-income youth, ages 16-21, with job readiness and life skills and place them with employers in a 90-day work experience program.

The program was developed to assist 16-17-year-olds in state custody with obtaining pre-employment skills and work experience. Youth were matched with an employer in their field of interest and began a 90-day work study program. Partnering employers received reimbursement for participant training costs equaling half of minimum wage. The work experience provided youth an opportunity for permanent employment.

The CDO, a division of the Housing and Community Services Department, received 2011 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) discretionary grant funds to implement Phase 1 (Pilot Project) of YETP. CDO received additional CSBG funds and Community Development Block Grant funds to expand services to youth ages 16-21who are not in state custody.

YETP II will take referrals effective immediately through April, 2013. Employers who are interested should contact Michelle Rucker at 337-9444, ext. 110. Referral agencies and youth who are interested should contact Heidi Cleveland at 337-9444, ext. 119.