Bill would employ teens

For many teenagers, finding a job outside of flipping burgers or waiting on tables is next… For many teenagers, finding a job outside of flipping burgers or waiting on tables is next to impossible.

Employers in the higher-skilled business sectors often attach an unfair amount of risk to young workers whom they often see as immature and irresponsible. But without experience in the wider business world, landing that first professional position can be a terrifying ordeal.

Emily Renner of the Homewood YMCA deals with teenagers every day and knows that teens need to stay busy to avoid other distractions, but she realizes why it is difficult to find employers willing to hire young adults.

“One of the most difficult things for a teenager to do is find an employer who will take a chance on him and give him a job,” Renner said.

One state lawmaker hopes to make it a little easier for employers and teens to understand each other.

State Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia, recently proposed a program that would give more than 30,000 teens and young adults in the Commonwealth summer and year-round jobs in an effort to provide employment to Pennsylvania teens and to reduce violent crime.

The legislation, known as the Youth Empowerment Services Act, would create a $100 million fund to make high-quality jobs and internships available to Pennsylvanians ages 14 through 21. The legislation enjoys bipartisan support and, if passed, would go into effect within 60 days.

“It is my hope that this legislation will provide teens a way to prepare for a career and provide a reason to stay off the streets,” Hughes said.

Renner agrees.

“Lots of kids who don’t have anything to do will participate in other undesirable behavior,” he said. “A job not only occupies them, but also takes them out of the environment that they are in.”

The Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, which is participating in the program, has called for local businesses to provide 1,000 paid summer internships in 2007.

David Brown, whose advertising firm offers 10 internships each year to Philadelphia youth, realizes the power of an internship.

“For small businesses, internships represent an investment that has a direct impact on the bottom line today and into the future,” he said. “If we don’t grow talent now, they won’t be there to make us grow in the future.”

In addition to the $100 million fund, businesses would pay salaries, provide mentoring and instruction to teens and work alongside schools and youth organizations. The program would work through local investment boards, comprised of local businesses across the state.

According to Hughes’ legislative director, Nekay Jones, the money for the legislation would come from a variety of sources.

“The funding, in addition to taxpayer money, could come from private donations and business contributions in the form of tax credits,” Jones said.

By providing jobs and internships to teenagers, the legislation seeks to reduce violent crime rates. According to the National Institute of Justice, “individuals who are employed, those working in higher-quality jobs and those in school commit fewer crimes than individuals who are unemployed, not in school and working in lower-quality jobs.”

Ebony Pugh, from the Pittsburgh Department of Education, is pleased with the proposed law.

“This legislation offers a great opportunity for students to get work experience that not only would give them a useful diversion from the streets, but would also help their future careers,” Pugh said.

In a similar move, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has instituted the Pittsburgh Summer Youth Employment Program, a $350,000 program that will give Pittsburgh youth between the ages of 14 and 18 the opportunity to earn money and learn new skills, in addition to fighting crime and violence throughout Pittsburgh.