WHAT:       The City of Little Rock will host its annual Summer Employment luncheon – an appreciation ceremony honoring the businesses that support the program. More than 200 businesses partnered with the City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs. This year, the City invested $1.06 million to place more than 600 youth with a wide variety of employers. Three of the program participants will be in attendance and will receive employee-of-the-year awards.

WHO:         Bruce Moore, City of Little Rock City Manager
Business owners, supervisors and managers of participating local businesses
Youth Summer Employment Employee-of-the-Year award recipients

WHEN:       Wednesday, Aug. 6
11 a.m.

WHERE:     Clarion Hotel
925 S. University Ave.
Little Rock, Ark.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 5, 2014) – As the baby boomers age out of the workforce, there is a growing need for young employees with the skills and work habits to be productive partners for economic growth. The City of Little Rock’s Summer Youth Employment Program gives youth an opportunity to learn about careers. Participants also develop the critical skills necessary to be successful members of the workforce while earning a wage during the summer.

Research shows that youth who work part-time during the school year and participate in summer employment have a greater attachment to the labor market. Therefore, in partnership with local businesses, New Futures for Youth and community stakeholders, the City of Little Rock invests $1.06 million dollars in summer employment. These dollars include payroll for participants and worker’s compensation insurance. The City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs also employs mentors to ensure safe and enjoyable work environments for the employers and youth employees.

More than 200 employers partnered with the City in this year’s program including 10 Fitness, American Red Cross, Andre Pendleton State Farm Agency, Arkansas Crime Information Center, Bonner’s Grocery, Clinton Presidential Center, Sports Therapy, Thornton Broadcasting Communications, and Walgreens.

Representatives from each participating business are expected to be in attendance.

***Interviews Available***

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