Stimulating summer jobs still available

Know a young person with no summer job in sight?

Maybe someone back in town from college?

Dozens of federal stimulus-supported summer jobs remain open for 18- to 24-year-olds in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties who meet eligibility rules.

The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council, several public partners and local employers are busy placing more than 700 summer jobs for youths age 14-24, funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The council received $2.2 million in federal stimulus funds to coordinate the summer jobs effort, administered by seven community partners.

All under-18 slots are taken. But positions remain for older applicants, said Mike Forrest, project manager.

Job openings range from physical to clerical — from grounds maintenance to managing editor's assistant or executive director's assistant, he said.

Each is for 30 hours per week, over the six weeks from July 6 to Aug. 14.

Workers receive minimum pay — $8.55 per hour in Washington state, the nation's highest minimum rate — and training that can enhance their work résumé.

Eligibility is restricted by income level. Those who receive or qualify for WIC, food stamp or other public assistance are virtually assured placement, Forrest said.

But most college students also are eligible: A six-month window for reported income means a summer stay with parents won't disqualify them, he said.

"We just want to make sure that everybody has a chance," Forrest said. He expects a "second wave" of applicants, now that Washington's K-12 school year is over, he said.

Interested candidates should visit: www.jobeligibility.com.

They should then contact Mike Forrest or Margaret Rogers at 360-253-9199 or mforrest@eostaffing.com or mrogers@eostaffing.com.

Forrest said turnout has been good. The new public pitch comes after the application deadlines and work period were extended, he said.

Youths accepted will attend orientation at the Towne Plaza WorkSource center in Vancouver this week. They will receive job assignments and begin work July 6.