The city of Mount Vernon held a press conference to announce the commencement of the winter session of the Youth Bureau’s Youth Employment and Training Program. The winter session of the program will last for six weeks, and students will be able to garner professional experience while earning minimum wage. The Youth Bureau hired 20 young professionals for this session. They’ll be placed in various settings, including the Human Resources Department, The Mount Vernon Public Library, Harmony Designs Furniture & Interiors, Sandbox Fitness, and more.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “We have great workforce development opportunities for our young people. We have young people who will work in City Hall, the Library, Harmony Designs, the Neighborhood Health Center, and different local businesses. We want to ensure our young people are prepared for the world of work. As I speak to the many businesses looking to come to Mount Vernon and the businesses here, they ask for the very skills our young people will be developing as part of this experience. They ask that you have a good work ethic, show up on time and be ready to work, have communication and customer service skills, and have a passion for your work. “
Executive Director of the Youth Bureau, Debbie Burrell-Butler, said, “Being a product of after-school programs, summer employment from the Youth Bureau, and being from Mount Vernon, I’m honored to continue to pay it forward. When you look around and see these faces, I know someone in this crowd could easily be the next executive director. The sky is the limit, and employment is something that I champion. We ensure youth employment is included in every grant written for the Youth Bureau. Not only does it create hands-on work experience, but it builds character and gives them accountability, and builds communication skills.”
Youth Employment Service Coordinator Lauren Bacote said, “Youth employment is a springboard into independence, and the benefits are many. Our youth will go into the community to learn and develop soft skills, including effective communication and teamwork. They will also display their creativity and learn time management and conflict resolution skills, which are all vital to securing and keeping meaningful work. ”
To all our winter session hires congratulations and we are confident that you will thrive in your new positions. On March 13th, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau will have applications available to apply for their summer session of the Youth Employment and Training Program. Applications will be available at City Hall on the 3rd floor in room 306 and on our website cmvny.com.
