(Washington, DC) The Department of Employment Services will begin its registration drive for summer youth employment on January 17, 2006, two months earlier than prior years. More than 10,000 students are expected to sign up for this year’s work experience and academic enhancement program.
“It’s an intentional strategic move,” says Gregg Irish, Director of the Department of Employment Services, of the early registration process. “Last year, we experienced phenomenal success with more than 10,000 youth working. We felt that an early start on this year’s summer program would allow us to improve upon matching youth with possible job opportunities.”
Young residents are expected to accurately complete the 2006 Application and Certification and Consent Forms and, with proof of their District residency, date of birth, citizenship/permanent residency, Social Security Number; and their most recent report card, submit them to the Office of Youth Programs at 625 H Street, NE before Friday, April 21, 2006. The office will conduct registration Monday - Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and beginning February 1, 2006, until 6 pm every Wednesday. All forms can be downloaded from the Youth Services section of the department’s website.
According to Director Irish, the 2006 Summer Youth Employment Program will bear the theme, Just Work It! “This captures our message and expectations for the 2006 student/youth participants who are facing an increasingly competitive global labor market,” says Director Irish. “This is one of Mayor Anthony Williams’s premier programs for providing city youth with career exposure and academic enrichment to help ensure their success.”
The Summer Youth Employment Program is a component of the DOES’ Passport to Work Youth Employment Program, which ensures that District youth are consistently developing skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in today’s competitive labor market. For additional information on the 2006 Summer Youth Employment Program, please contact the Department of Employment Services’ Office of Youth Programs at (202) 698-3991 or (202) 698-3492.