Rockdale County youths will have two chances to learn how they can earn a paycheck and learn life skills this summer.
The Rockdale County Summer JOBS+ for Youth program is holding informational meetings Saturday, April 18 at the Barksdale Boys & Girls club, 1015 O’Kelly Street and Saturday, April 25 at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive. Both
meetings run from 10 a.m. to Noon.

The program is a partnership between the county, the Atlanta Regional Workforce Board, local businesses, the United Way and other nonprofit organizations to put lowincome youths to work.

During the eight-week program, participants will earn money and develop life skills, such as budgeting, money management, and resume writing.

“The idea is to enrich and empower underprivileged youth so that they grow into responsible, contributing members of our  community,” said Richard Oden, Rockdale County Commission chairman. “We want to give them the tools they need to stay on the
right path and to have productive, successful lives. I view this program as an investment in our future.”

The program is being funded by a grant made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is giving states a total of $1.2 billion for youth activities, including summer jobs. These federal stimulus funds are being distributed locally by the
Atlanta Regional Workforce Board. Rockdale County's share of the funds is $200,000.

The JOBS+ program is open to county residents, ages 14 to 24 years old, in foster care or low-income households. There are 100 spaces available this year. The employment period runs from June 1 - July 24.

For more information on the Rockdale JOBS+ Youth program, visit the Rockdale County website at www.rockdalecounty.org and click on 'job opportunities' or visit www.atlantaregional.com/workforce/youthprogram.html.