THE YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE “Let’s Put Our Youth To Work” Program  (Y2) is an innovative program that provides a comprehensive year-round employment program serving both  in school and out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 - 24.   Adopting the School –to-Work System, Our goal is to provide career counseling, work experience, job readiness training and job placement.  This will help youth make a successful transition from school to career.

THE YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE works in conjunction with other programs that serve youth, such as, Job Corps and services available through the East Orange School Districts.  Employers, industry professionals and educators collaborate to prepare youth to enter the workplace after completion of their formal education.

The YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE has developed a team of professionals who work together to assist employers to determine needed services and ensure that quality and comprehensive information is provided.  In exchange, employers will be asked to pledge job opportunities.

The YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE provides several options and services for its participants.  These include:

Career Counseling
Pre-employment Skills
Work Experience
Life Skills Training
Business Etiquette

YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE INTERESTS

The primary focus of  the YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE is to encourage education and work experience. The YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE has joined with the East Orange Chamber of Commerce and other business partners to develop employment opportunities by identifying business who are willing to provide work experience, internships, and job placements.
 
AN EDGE FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS & TAX CREDITS

Businesses will gain a number of advantages by hiring YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE youth participants of the program are pre-screened and instructed on the basics of workplace responsibilities.  THE YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE PROGRAM allows businesses to hire dependable and productive youth who will enhance your operations.  You may also qualify and benefit from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Private Sector employers who hire summer youth ages 16—17 years of age between May 1 through September 15th.

The YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE  youth work a minimum of five (5) hours per day and a maximum of (7)  hours each day for eight weeks.  We encourage employers to be conscious of the child labor laws. Wages for the YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE participants  are set by the employer.  We recommend that the youth receive at least the minimum wage to start.  To find out how your company can participate in the YOUTH 2000 INITIATIVE PROGRAM, take  a moment to print, fill out and return the attached Pledge Card.