Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Helena Moreno has filed an ordinance to boost traditional youth jobs from 365 slots to 1000 slots. The $1.9M ordinance will allow the Office of Workforce Development to prepare now to provide the slots for summer applicants.                      

There is significant evidence that robust programs for youth summer employment lead to crime reduction. Numerous studies show that summer youth employment experiences offer young adults vital opportunities for personal growth, economic opportunities and a chance to establish working skills for future employment. 

“We must prioritize our youth and create more opportunities for them. Increasing the slots for summer jobs is common sense, and the Council will prioritize this,” said Councilmember Moreno. “The summer jobs program must be prioritized as it was during the Morial Administration. In 1994 during the rising violence in New Orleans, this programming was significantly boosted as a tool to assist in bringing crime down.”

The City’s traditional summer jobs program pays $15 an hour for ages 14-21. There are other job opportunities offered for youth by the Office of Workforce Development, including Intern NOLA, which Councilmember Moreno will work to enhance as well. 

The ordinance will be considered at the full Council meeting on February 2, 2023, at 10 AM.

Original source can be found here.