POUGHKEEPSIE - Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus Friday announced the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board will receive over $300,000 for the 2008 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Summer Youth Employment Program. 

The program provides youth ages 14 to 20 years old with summer employment positions.  Nearly 100 students will be placed in positions where they will have the opportunity to be challenged and productive, enhance their self-esteem, increase workforce readiness skills, explore career options and improve their understanding of work day expectations. 

 “The Summer Youth Employment Program brings young people from across the county together and provides them with invaluable training to prepare for future entry into the workforce,” said Steinhaus.

DCWIB partners closely with the Department of Social Services to ensure the program is relevant in today’s employment environment and gives youth the skills needed to meet national standards of job readiness.

The program offers a number of summer positions that will help students develop transferable skills applicable to entry level jobs they may apply for in the future.   Students will also participate in educational sessions at Dutchess Community College to introduce them to the critical components of the National Workforce Readiness Credential, which will lead to their readiness for entry-level work as defined by employers across the United States.