Defiance College and YouthWorks Partner on Summer Jobs Project

DEFIANCE, Ohio –Everyone remembers his or her first job. It’s an invaluable experience that teaches time management, social skills, and a strong work ethic. This summer, Defiance College has partnered with YouthWorks Inc. and the Northwest Ohio Job Center to provide employment for local youth.

For many of the young people, this is their first experience with employment. According to Emilie Handley, local youth advisor for YouthWorks, the program is designed to help youth transition into adulthood, ushering them from high school graduation to the workplace or to post-secondary education. Youth take part in workshops on topics such as skill-building, finance, job seeking, interviewing skills, finance, college planning, career and goal assessment, and professionalism.

Four young people from Defiance County have been working this summer on the Defiance College campus. Their primary tasks have included assisting the maintenance staff in interior and exterior painting on campus as well as landscaping at the college’s athletic complex in preparation for the start of classes later this month. One of the individuals will be enrolled as a new DC student this semester.

The program is managed by JobWorks Inc. with funding through the Workforce Investment Act. It is a nonprofit employment and training company operating youth programs at the Northwest Ohio Job Center in Defiance.

“YouthWorks Inc. is an excellent organization that is performing an invaluable service for our community,” said Mike Suzo, vice president for enrollment management at Defiance College. “We think this is an important project to support. These young people are learning important job skills, and we are very pleased that we can be a part of this phase of their education.”

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

August 19, 2010