It’s gratifying to see programs publicly recognized as they make a difference today that will improve tomorrows in our community. The Hamilton County Youth Employment Program is a great example of this. It’s managed by the Hamilton County Office of Youth through our Department of Workforce Development.
Fox 19 recently featured one of the Youth Employment Program’s undertakings, showcasing a seven-week course that taught salon hair-braiding skills. The youth in the program were paid $13 an hour while learning these practical skills.
The Youth Employment Program provides jobs and year-round job readiness training for Hamilton County residents ages 14-21. It helps young people in Hamilton County find work, explore careers and remove barriers to create a clear path to more education or a career.
To be eligible, young people must have a household income at 200 percent of the federal poverty level and/or have an eligible barrier to employment. When participants complete the program, they will have a written training plan to help them continue on the path toward their chosen career.