New Summer Job Opportunities For Some KC Teens

Kansas City, MO – About 4,800 young people whose families are on public assistance will get jobs throughout Missouri this summer. Governor Jay Nixon and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver kicked off a federally-funded jobs program this afternoon, while fresh concrete was laid in front of a house for a walkway.

Some of the Kansas City youth in the Missouri Summer Jobs Program will be improving drainage and make other environmental improvements to homes in the Green Impact Zone. That's the economically-strapped section of the city where Congressman Cleaver is trying to concentrate federal stimulus funds. Rep. Cleaver said the work will benefit both the neighborhoods and the youth.

"I learned during my days as mayor that we need to keep our young people busy productively busy during the summer months," Rep. Cleaver said.

1,100 jobs will be available for Kansas City, Missouri youth, ranging in age from 14 to 24. They'll be paid $10 an hour, for 40 hours a week, at jobs that last 6 weeks. The city also has a privately-funded summer jobs program, which will provide work for 200 more young people.