Economic impact of summer youth employment is now available Economic impact of summer youth employment is now available

WSU's Center for Economic Development and Business Research was contracted by the Kansas Department of Commerce to determine the economic impact of the Summer Youth Employment Program for the period of May 1 to Sept. 30. SYEP funds were appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Recovery Act, signed by President Obama on Feb. 17, was intended to preserve and create jobs, promote the nation's economic recovery and assist those most impacted by the recession.

The SYEP was specifically designed for low-income youth, ages 16 to 24, with barriers to employment, out-of-school youth and those most at risk of dropping out, youth in and aging out of foster care, youth offenders, those at risk of court involvement, homeless and runaway youth, children of incarcerated parents, migrant youth and youth with disabilities.

The goal of the Summer Youth program is to introduce and reinforce the demands and rewards of holding a job. While earning a wage, youth with limited work experience learn work-ready skills, and explore demand occupations and post-secondary education opportunities.

Separate reports were done for Kansas and each of the five local workforce areas in the state. To read the full reports of these six geographic areas, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?365.