City provides Youth Employment and Training Program for students

Every summer a few select high school students get the opportunity to earn a little spending money and gain invaluable experience. The city of Whitesboro provides both to the students through its Youth Employment and Training Program.

The program was started in 1994 as a way “to introduce local youth, ages 15 to 19, to the work force, provide some experience and job readiness training, and provide additional temporary labor for the city,” according to a 1996 press release.

The program won the 1996 Criminal Justice Award for Community Service and although the goals of the program are the same, it has evolved since 1996. The program now employees fewer students and the interview are performed by the individual departments instead of a committee of city employees.

However, these changes do not diminish the benefits of the program. Students still benefit from experiencing the job application process since all the students that apply are interviewed. “I like to visit with them [after the interview], because for most of them it’s their very first interview. I'll go over things like posture,” said Penny Renfroe, director of parks and recreation. “So then, it's a learning experience for them, whether they get a position or not, there is something to be gained.”

The department of parks and recreation employs two student workers and they are responsible for organizing, planning and implementing the day camps.

“They get some good organizational experience from that, because they plan it out. They get some good budgeting experience. And they get some good hands on experience to work with kids, to deal with discipline issues, and making sure everyone's on task. Their experience is very well rounded,” said Renfroe.

The program also allows students to gain experience in fields that they may have a career interest in. Until last year, Natalie Kirby worked part time at the library. She was employed or volunteered since she was 12-years-old. She is now continuing her education in college and has expressed interest in library science. She was able to explore her interests through the student work program, said Ginger Garvin, library director.

Not only is the program beneficial for the students, but it is also beneficial for the city. “They [the students] are invaluable,” Garvin said.

The library is employing five student workers this year, primarily to help with the summer reading program. “They help us get ready for the programs and they help coral the kids during the programs,” Garvin said.

Although the program no longer employs as many students, it is still effective in training students and providing valuable seasonal staff for the city. “It's been a lifesaver for us. It helps the community, and it helps the kids,” Garvin said.