2009 SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. A significant portion of the Act’s appropriated funds are designated for youth services particularly summer youth employment opportunities. Additionally, the act extends the youth eligibility age through 24 allowing the provision of services to young adults who have been disconnected from both education and the workforce. The legislation enables Private Industry Council of Lehigh Valley, Inc. (PIC), a partner in PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley, to greatly expand its services for young adults. Opportunities are available for individuals both in and out of school. Expanded services may include work experience, enhanced career awareness, educational continuums, basic and occupational skills, employability training, exposure to business and industry, internships, job shadowing, community service projects, post-secondary education information, post-high school skill training tuition assistance, on-the-job training and much more. Services applications are available at PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley locations as well as online at www.careerlinklehighvalley.org. Individuals must either hand carry or mail their completed services application to either CareerLink location listed on the services application cover page. JOBS PROGRAM - ELIGIBILITY An individual shall be eligible to participate in the Program if such individual is: Ages – 14 through 24. High school graduates, college graduates, GED recipients, high school dropouts and college dropouts under the age of 25 are encouraged to apply and will receive individualized services. Low Income and who is one or more of the following: Deficient in basic literacy skills; School dropout; Homeless, runaway, or foster child; Pregnant or parenting; Offender; or Requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment (including an individual with a disability). Residency - A resident of Lehigh or Northampton Counties. Citizenship - All eligible individuals must be one of the following: U.S. citizens U.S. nationals Lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens Lawfully admitted refugees and parolees Other individuals authorized by the Attorney General to work in the United States Selective Service - All eligible individuals must be in compliance with the Selective Service Act requirements. All males who are at least 18 years of age and born on or after January 1, 1960, and who are not in the armed services on active duty must be registered. Social Security Number - All eligible individuals must have a valid social security number. Possible Sources of Eligible Individuals 1). An individual who is a member of a family receiving cash public assistance, social security disability insurance, or refugee assistance. 2). An individual who is a member of a family receiving food stamps. 3). A mentally or physically disabled individual. 4). A foster child, or a ward of the state and individuals aging out of foster care. 5). An individual who is a member of a family receiving public housing or subsidized housing. 6). An individual who is homeless or a member of a family that is homeless. 7). A member of a family where the primary wage earner is laid off. 8). An out-of-school individual who is laid off, unemployed or underemployed and is not dependent on his/her parents or family members for support. 9). A member of a family where the family income for the past six (6) months is below the following guidelines: Family Size Six (6) Months Income ** Ages 14-24 1 $5,415 2 $7,734 3 $10,615 4 $13,104 5 $15,466 6 $18,085 7 $20,704 8 $23,323 For more than 8, add $2,619 for each person **An individual who belongs to one or more of the following categories may be considered a family of one (see above chart) when applying for this program, and only his/her income (not his/her family’s) will be used to determine eligibility: 1). Foster children 2). Mentally or physically disabled individual LOCAL PA CAREERLINK OFFICES: PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley 1601 Union Boulevard Allentown, PA Monday thru Friday-8:00 am to 4:30 pm Wed-8:00 am to 7:00 pm PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley 72 N Second Street Easton, PA Mon thru Fri-8:00 am to 4:00 pm SOCIAL SECURITY All individuals need social security numbers when assessed for eligibility. If they do not have one, please instruct them to contact their local Social Security Office. ALLENTOWN OFFICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY 41 NORTH FOURTH STREET ALLENTOWN, PA 18102 (610) 433-3237 BETHLEHEM OFFICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY 555 MAIN STREET BETHLEHEM, PA 18018 (610) 691-2451 EASTON OFFICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY 134 SOUTH FOURTH STREET EASTON, PA 18042 (610) 258-9033 It will take approximately 4-6 weeks to process and receive a social security number. SELECTIVE SERVICE Also, all males 18 years or older must be registered with the Selective Service to be eligible for the program. Proof of registration is required at certification. It will take approximately 4 weeks to register and receive proof of registration. Individuals can register for selective service online at www.sss.gov or at the local post office.