PEORIA, Ill. — Gov. J.B. Pritzker paid a visit Monday to Manual High School, where he helped local leaders kick off the Peoria Public Schools Summer Youth Employment Program.
The system is designed to help people ages 16-20 to develop work and life skills while exploring potential career paths.
“This is not just a job, but an education to help them to get on the right path to become contributing members of society,” said Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, PPS Superintendent.
Students receive training in areas like like rsum writing and job interviewing.
“It is always a pleasure to be able to witness firsthand what a difference it makes when staste government actually invests in our communities,” Pritzker said.
“Even in our most difficult times, prioritizing young people ought to be a no brainer.
“It’s more important than ever to ensure the most vulnerable among us don’t slip through the cracks.”
Pritzker said the state has funneled $9.3 million into the program.
$600,000 of that amount was allotted to Peoria.
This summer, 216 PPS students were placed into workplaces through the program.
Statewide, Pritzker estimated it would employ 2,400 people.
Kherat said the bulk of employed students come from the zip codes of 61603, 61604, 61605, and 61606.
“These are all zip codes that have been designated by the state as high-need areas,” she said.
“I have seen, firsthand, students work during the summer, tirelessly. Actually, we have some of those workers helping to open our Peoria Public School buildings in a safe manner.
“Some other youth, they are connecting with families about childcare, helping to fill out registration forms, taking temperature checks, and symptom screenings.”
Aside from the school district, students have gotten jobs in areas like retail, dining, construction, and non-profit.
