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Show JTPA summer program slated By DONETA GATHERUM Staff Writer FARMINGTON-What could be more worthwhile than a summer youth program that offered participants a job with an hourly wage plus the opportunity to improve im-prove academic and personal skills? This is the goal of JTPA's (Job Training Partnership Act) Summer Youth Program. Besides finding employment for young people between be-tween the ages of 14 and 21, the program offers skills training in several areas including reading, math, computer com-puter education, forestry, self-confidence, cultural awareness, problem solving and physical challenges. A new component this year is a family and youth program that is designed to strengthen a young person's ability to say 'no" to drugs. JTPA also has a sports and recreation camp program that is supported by well-known athletes and an "Experience College Life" course that is conducted at Weber State. "Our goal is to assist county residents in finding jobs and getting adequate training," says Sheryl Funk, JTPA Youth Coordinator. "We tailor the program to meet the needs of the young people who qualify." Each applicant is tested and encouraged to participate par-ticipate in the classes and training programs that will best satisfy his needs. JTPA works closely with government departments such as parks and recreation and DATC to provide hourly summer jobs for as many youth as qualify. Private businesses are also involved in JTPA job placement. Last year the summer program in Davis County served 126 young people. It provided 25 youth with the opportunity to improve reading and math skills; 25 with leadership training skills and 25 with personal skills. "While it is good to be able to offer a young person a summer job that pays an hourly wage, the real benefit of the JTPA Summer Youth Program is the opportunity it gives youth to develop academic and personal skills that will help them throughout their life," Funk says. Applications for the summer youth program will be taken beginning April 1. Placements will all be made by the end of June. Eligibility will be determined by the JTPA staff. For more information, parents and young people can contact Sheryl Funk at 45 1-7908 or 45 1-7988. |
