South Bay Workforce Investment Board launches a regional campaign to raise funds for YOUTH SUMMER JOBS for low-income teens

For nearly three decades the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (formerly the South Bay Private Industry Council) has provided subsidized summer jobs to more than 1,100 low-income youth annually through federal, State and local government funding. The youth, 14 - 18 years of age, were paid minimum wage earning about $1,000, which provided much-needed money for school as they developed a positive work attitude and valuable workplace skills.

Today, due to drastic declines in funding at every level, fewer than 100 subsidized summer jobs are available for low-income youth throughout the South Bay Workforce Investment Board's youth service area including Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Gardena, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.

Declining federal investments in youth employment preparation adversely affects youth and the communities in which they live. Typically when alternative summer activities are not available there are increases in juvenile misdemeanor offenses, especially in low-income communities. Summer jobs represent a positive alternative for youth during the idle summer months.

Special Thanks to the following organizations/individuals that have already contributed:

-Daniel Juarez (former City Clerk of Hawthorne)
-Sandra Goodson
-Rotary Club of Hawthorne
-Jan Vogel
-Rotary Club of Inglewood
-Hawthorne Women's Club
-Hawthorne Lions Club
-Guy Hocker
-Don Harris Insurance Agency
-Vought Aircraft Industries
-Hawthorne Kiwanis Club
-El Segundo Rotary Club