Mercer County Awarded Grant for Youth Summer Jobs Program

Mercer County has received a competitive grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor to provide summer employment and job readiness training to local youth. The grant, totaling $475,200, will fund jobs for at least 120 students between ages 16 and 24, whether currently enrolled in school or not.

The program will partner with businesses, educational institutions, community organizations, and faith-based groups to offer work experience opportunities. Participants will also attend workshops covering topics like time management, communication skills, business etiquette, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, job preparedness, and career exploration.

“There is nothing more empowering we can do for an individual than help them on their way towards a career,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “I am proud of our work in obtaining this competitive grant and expanding our program, so we can positively impact more Mercer County youth.”

Applications are being accepted online until May 10. Youth hired through the program will earn $16 per hour, with the potential to make up to $3,200 over the course of the summer from July 1 to August 23, 2024.

“The Mercer County Summer Youth Jobs Connection has been a signature program of ours for many years,” said Anthony Carabelli, Mercer County Director of Economic Development. “We are grateful to the New Jersey Department of Labor for their continued commitment to our youth here in Mercer County.”