Summer Jobs

The Recovery Act of 2009 created meaningful jobs for almost 900 low-income young people throughout Seattle-King County. But next summer, only a tiny fraction will have the same opportunity. The WDC believes we can and should invest in summer jobs now.

Youth employment everywhere was already at a historic low before the recession—and since then has declined far more than other age groups.  Youth workers are usually last in line for jobs—more so in tough economic times when older jobseekers are competing for the low-skill jobs that are open to youth, such as those in food services and retail.

Meanwhile, in 2008 in Washington state, 29,000 teens aged 16-19 were neither in school nor working. A total of 80,000 young adults aged 18-24 were not working, not attending school and had no degree beyond high school. With a third of high-school students failing to even graduate, it’s clear that our future workforce is in deep trouble.

By creating meaningful, paid jobs and internships during the summer months, we can give young people a chance to learn and earn that they wouldn’t have otherwise.

Join us to support summer jobs for young people.