City of Philadelphia Hoping To Find More Summer Work For More Young People
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Hundreds of local young people gathered today on the campus of Temple University, in North Philadelphia, hoping to link up with companies or organizations offering summer jobs or volunteer opportunities.
The city's "Teen Summer Job & Opportunities Fair" is designed to keep 16- to 24-year-olds focused on the world of learning and work.
"They're also building a résumé and improving their skills," Mayor Nutter told KYW Newsradio. He adds that the program deserves to be expanded.
"We had 8,200-plus people get jobs last year, but we had 18,000 who applied," the mayor noted.
Chyna-Lynn (no last name given), a tenth grader at Fels High, says she is looking for new opportunities.
"I'm looking to find a job for the summertime and to learn how to work with people," she said. Her specific interests are cooking and/or working with children.
Dymond, a senior at Delaware Valley Charter High School, says he is looking forward to that paycheck.
"I came here to start networking and getting my connections together," he said.
Mayor Nutter says he is hoping to sign up 10,000 young people this summer. Job and internship seekers can connect to the online job fair, at www.funsafephillysummer.com/jobs, through KEYSPOTs, the free computing centers throughout the city.
