About 200 young people are working at seasonal jobs through the Youth Summer Employment Training Program hosted annually by DeKalb Workforce Development.

The program seeks to increase opportunities for youth to develop a strong work ethic and acquire the skills needed to become competitive job seekers in a global economy.

The eight-week program builds upon career goals identified by each youth and gives them the opportunity to explore careers in various fields in the nonprofit, public and private business sectors of the county, such as DeKalb Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs; Sunrise Assisted Living Center; and Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church.

Teens and young adults are able to use this work experience to strengthen their resume and network with professionals in their desired field as they prepare to enter the work force.

DWD has budgeted $400,000 from federal Workforce Investment Act funds for the annual initiative that pays participants $8 an hour, which is above the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, for a maximum of 25 hours per week.

The youth participants are getting this extra boost due to the current economic conditions that have, in certain cases, impacted their households and left them as the only source of income.

Denise Funk, library supervisor at the Flat Shoals branch, said the program provides a great opportunity for young people to get prepared for the workplace.

“These youth will not be as nervous as others who are entering the workplace for the first time because they receive so much structure and preparation through this program,” Funk said in a June 19 statement. “I think it is a wonderful program and terrific opportunity.”

The program began June 4 and will conclude on July 27 with a celebratory event at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center. For more information on the youth year-round program, visit www

.dekalbworkforce.org or call 404-687-3822.