More than three times the amount of youth workers have been hired through the city’s summer youth employment program this year, compared to the past.

The program, which kicked off on July 8, is employing more than 400 youth — up from about 130 during prior summers.

“It was our intention to try to find positions for everyone who applied,” said Community Development Director James Marsh. “Not only does the City see a benefit from the services the youth provide in cleaning our parks and public spaces, but equally important, we are teaching them work ethic, what it means to have a job, show up on time, and be employed.”

The youth, ages 16-21, have been placed in public and private positions throughout the city. Some are working at City Hall, in offices including the mayor’s office, while others can be seen in neighborhoods and parks, weeding and picking up trash as part of outdoor work crews. Some are working as counselors at playgrounds and the Lynn Special Needs Camp, run through the Lynn Parks and Recreation Department. Still others have been placed at businesses such as Hirsch Landscape Services, Wash Cycle Laundry, North Shore Navigators, ERC Wiping Products, Roland L. Appleton, Inc., and more.

“We made a commitment to try to find a job for any youth who applied,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said. “This is part of our comprehensive effort to provide youth with opportunities that will not only give them income, but also help them develop skills that will serve them well going forward.”

Youth are earning $16.25 per hour, working a maximum of 26 hours per week for six weeks. The program ends on August 16. Funding for the program, which costs just under $1 million, comes from a mix of state and federal funding, as well as about $45,000 in private donations.

“For some of these kids, this is the first paycheck they’re getting.”

Community Development Director James Marsh

Rich Avery, community facilities manager for Community Development, and Allison Perry, project operations assistant, help to manage the summer youth workers program.

In addition to connecting the youth to paid experiences and skills-building, the program is also providing a number of additional perks.

The Public Health Department, in coordination with Lynn Public Schools, has committed to being a summer feeding site — providing free breakfast and lunch for all youth workers 18 and under. Breakfast is available from 8:30-9:30 a.m., while lunch is available from noon to 1 p.m.

The youth are also invited to two free seminars and pizza dinners, held at the Lynn Auditorium in late July. One will focus on financial literacy and career development, while the other will concentrate on governance and civics, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

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The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor Nicholson’s office.