By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay is urging employers in the region to hire young people from the city for summer jobs.
The Mayor said area businesses and other organizations have set aside 300 positions for the new Youth Summer Jobs Initiative, but he wants 200 more.
"This is an opportunity for a business to hire a kid who is looking for an opportunity, an opportunity to improve him or herself, an opportunity to make some money," Slay said. "This will also help us keep kids off the street and idle."
The eight week program is meant for people ages 16 to 21.
Slay said there are no special tax breaks for employers. He said the city developed this voluntary program because the federal government cut back subsidies for employers to hire young people.
Companies interested in the program may contact Michelle Duvalle at (314) 589-8061.