Mercer County’s Summer Youth Jobs Connection, which is being funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and coordinated by the Mercer County One-Stop Career Center, will benefit more than 100 youth ages 16 to 24 with summer employment meant to encourage a successful transition to the workforce.

“We welcome this opportunity to help young people in our communities acquire skills and knowledge they may need to compete in the job market,” Mr. Hughes said. “A paid internship provides valuable work experience, and employers in Mercer County can help build our future workforce by providing summer jobs and developing young talent at no cost to their company.”

Summer Youth Jobs Connection is an eight-week program that begins July 6 and concludes Aug. 26. Participation is open to Mercer County residents ages 16 to 24 who meet the criteria. Interns will be paid $13.50 an hour with an opportunity to earn $2,600 for the summer. The program also will provide transportation assistance, supportive mentors and paid virtual job readiness workshops. Work assignments can be virtual, on site or a combination. Target enrollment is a minimum of 110 youth.

Interns’ wages and work readiness training will be paid by Mercer County through the funding provided by the State. In addition to learning new skills and being introduced to new career options, interns will be taught time management, effective communication, business etiquette and more.