Racine Sun

Racine County leaders have their minds tuned to the future in building the area’s Summer Youth Employment initiative.

For the second year, the County’s Summer Youth Employment initiative opened in June, with area leaders openly expressing their excitement of having another chance to work with area youth, Racine County Eye recently reported. The initiative aims to recruit youth, specifically kids and teens of color, to teach them valuable career skills and give them a paycheck from one of the program's 21 worksites.

“We are proud to invest in the success of our young people in Racine County,” County Executive Jonathan Delagrave said. “This initiative is a win-win for our community, as it employs and empowers young people while preparing them to lead the way for our region’s workforce of the future. I am grateful for the continued support from area businesses and nonprofit partners.”

Over its two-year existence, the program has employed at least 100 teens at over 32 businesses and nonprofits. 

“I am excited to see the evolution of this program and the positive impact it will have on our community,” Karen Goodwin, Racine County youth vocational coordinator, said in the report.

The Summer Youth Employment program runs through Aug. 5. Details for next summer have not yet been announced.