Program tackles youth unemployment

During the summer months, many youngsters seek to earn some extra money and keep themselves occupied during the day by getting hired for a full-time job. However, some firms are skeptical when it comes to bringing on board such people, who are often less experienced.

In an effort to help combat the issue of youth unemployment, Baltimore, Maryland, city officials launched a Hire One Youth initiative through its YouthWork organization, the Baltimore Sun reports. The program encourages private companies to hire young people, helping them get a chance to show their skills and learn a new trade.

"We're trying to build a strong workforce for the city of Baltimore," said Karen Sitnick, director of the Mayor's Office of Employment Development, in an interview with the source. "You have to provide a learning ground for young people. None of us learned how to work by reading about it in a book."

Almost half of the young people who want jobs are unable to find them. The Times of Trenton reports that according to Census Bureau data, 44 percent of teens who want summer employment can't find an open position.

Content provided by executive search organization, MRINetwork.