Funding for jobs arrives with Patrick

By Dan Ring

05/15/2008- The Republican

BOSTON - Gov. Deval L. Patrick plans to be in Springfield today to unveil state money for summer jobs for about 400 at-risk youth in Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield.

According to Patrick's press office, Hampden County will receive $767,322, up 40 percent from $547,618 last year.

Patrick is scheduled to announce the money at 4 p.m. at the Dunbar Community Center in Springfield.
 
"This investment ... is critical to the youth who will be on the job - and off the street - this summer," the governor said in a statement.

Patrick today will first stop at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the former Northampton State Hospital to make an announcement on economic development. No further details were available yesterday, a spokeswoman said.

Patrick plans to visit Western Massachusetts after attending his daughter Sarah's graduation from New York University yesterday.

In all, Patrick is providing $5.66 million statewide this year for summer jobs for at-risk youth, up 29 percent. Hampden County received the second highest amount, behind $2.1 million for Boston.

Kathryn A. Kirby, youth employment coordinator for the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County in Springfield, said the county's money will go toward the program Youthworks: Summer Jobs for At-Risk Youth.

"We are definitely happy with the increase in funding," Kirby said.

The state money for Hampden County must be matched with $153,464 in private donations.

She said the money will be targeted for low-income at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 21 in Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield.

The jobs, which last from six to eight weeks, pay at least $8 an hour.

The program offers an array of jobs including office work, landscaping, camp counselors, marketing and graphic design.

"We really try to match them up with career goals," Kirby said.

She said it's fantastic that Patrick is coming to Springfield to release the money.

"It lets us know the governor is thinking about us and thinking about youth," she said.

Two to three people apply for each job available under the program, she said.