PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today announced the Department of Human Services (DHS) is requesting contractor proposals for the County’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which creates job opportunities for disadvantaged youth, ages 14 to 24, who live in Allegheny County outside of the City of Pittsburgh (the City also operates a summer youth employment program). Proposals are due March 15.

“Last year, with the help of a $1.87 million grant through the federal Workforce Investment Act, we hired 600 young people to work on conservation projects in the County parks,” said Onorato. “The program provided the participants with good-paying summer jobs, while also teaching them valuable skills to help prepare them to enter the workforce. It was a positive experience for both the youth and the County. We are seeking proposals for this summer in anticipation of continued funding for 2010.”

The 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program operated from April 1 through September 30 and was designed to reach those who were most in need, including youth in low-income communities or those who may have been homeless, disabled, adjudicated, or out of school. Foster care youth and alumni were given special consideration.

Allegheny County contracted with 11 organizations to operate the 2009 program, which included classroom instruction, mock interviews, job readiness, career exploration, leadership development, work place etiquette, anger management, first-aid certification, neighborhood beautification, service learning projects, urban farming, urban gardening, and conservation work.

“The funds we received were instrumental in allowing us to provide opportunities for youth, but more importantly, they enhanced what we already have in place through the Department of Human Services,” said DHS Director Marc Cherna. “These summer work programs reinforce the efforts of our non-profit agencies, while helping young people develop skills that they will carry with them well into their adult lives.”

Information about the Request for Proposals is available on the Department of Human Services website at www.alleghenycounty.us/DHSProvider.aspx?id=11776&LinkIdentifier=id

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