Mercer County Gets Grant To Fund Youth Summer Jobs Program

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – It’s that time of the year when young people begin looking for opportunities for summer jobs.

Mercer County recently received a grant from the NJ Department of Labor to provide summer employment and job readiness skill development to County youth.

The program is for in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 16 – 24. The program received a grant of $475,200 and will provide jobs to at least 120 students.

Mercer will partner with businesses, educational institutions, and community and faith-based organizations to provide work experience.

The work experience will be complemented by workshops focused on topics like time management, effective communication, business etiquette, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, job readiness skill development, and career exploration.

Applications will be available online until May 10. Participants will receive $16 per hour, with an opportunity to earn up to $3,200 for the summer, officials said.

The program will run from July 1 through Aug. 23.

“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.”

Anthony Carabelli, Mercer County Director of Economic Development said the Mercer County Summer Youth Jobs program has been the county’s program for many years.

“We are grateful to the New Jersey Department of Labor for their continued commitment to our youth here in Mercer County,” Carabelli said.

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