August 13, 2008

What:          YouthWorks411 Summer Showcase 

Where:        Buttonwoods Community Center, 3207 West Shore Rd., Warwick (Entrance off Buttonwoods Rd.) 

When:         Thursday, Aug. 14, 10 – 11:30 AM

More than 50 youth from across the state gather to share information about their summer work experiences, made possible through programs funded by the RI Youth Workforce Development System. Among the two dozen exhibits:

• RiverzEdge Arts Program—youth partner with commercial artists to gain work experience
• Met School—young entrepreneurs launch own soda company
• My Turn—youth explore careers in the Marine Trades

The RI Youth Workforce Development System aims to prepare the next generation of workers by engaging them now in real-world job experience. A collaborative effort of the RI Dept. of Labor and Training, state and local workforce investment boards, the Governor’s Workforce Board, the RI Dept. of Education and community-based organizations throughout the state, the Youth Workforce Development System expects to invest more than $10 million in Program Year 2008 (7/1/08-6/30/09) to fund work readiness, work experience and leadership programs that serve all RI youth ages 14-24.

This summer, the system helped provide job shadowing, internship, career exploration, work readiness training, leadership training and/or summer jobs to approximately 900 Rhode Islanders. In Program Year 2008, the system expects to serve more than 4,000 RI youth.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Youth program participants available for interview; numerous photo opportunities

About the RI Department of Labor and Training
The RI Department of Labor and Training offers employment services, educational services and economic opportunity to both individuals and employers. DLT protects Rhode Island's workforce by enforcing labor laws, prevailing wage rates and workplace health and safety standards. The department also provides temporary income support to unemployed and temporarily disabled workers. For more information on the programs and services available to all Rhode Islanders, please call the RI Department of Labor and Training at (401) 462-8000 or visit the web site at www.dlt.ri.gov.

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