State offers jobs to 16 to 24 year olds

As summertime approaches for our young people, some will be thinking of what they'll do from May or June until the start of another school year.

While some will enjoy hanging out with friends, playing sports, and doing what kids do, some will try to enter the workforce to earn a little extra cash.

When you consider the condition of the economy, that may not be so easy.

But the prospect did get a lot brighter earlier this week.

Gov. Mitch Daniels on Tuesday announced the state will hire 2,000 young adults to spend this summer and next improving Indiana's parks, trails and natural habitats. The program, called the Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps, will use federal stimulus funds designated for employment and training of people 16 to 24 years old.

"Our template for stimulus funds is jobs, speed and lasting value. This program puts young people to work, does it quickly, and adds the best kind of enduring legacy in the enhanced natural beauty of Indiana," Daniels explained in a press release to the Greene County Daily World.

The jobs will pay $8.50 per hour. According to federal requirements, the jobs will be for Hoosiers who are 24 years old or younger and whose family incomes are at or below the poverty level (approximately $23,000 for a family of four). The positions will begin no earlier than May 1 and end no later than Sept. 30. The state will place a top priority on hiring veterans and those currently receiving unemployment benefits who meet the program's age and income eligibility requirements.

The 2,000 jobs include projects such as restoring natural wildlife habitats, building trails, beautifying Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties, and rehabilitating historic buildings at about 100 DNR sites, including state parks, reservoirs, recreation areas, state forests, nature preserves, and state historic sites.

All federal dollars will go into the young workers' paychecks; the DNR will use funds already budgeted for any needed materials.

State Sen. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) believes this is a great way to make sure students have a productive summer, and also will help many area and Hoosier families.

"This is a great way to make sure that kids who want to work have the chance," Rep. Borders said in a press release. "And it means that Indiana's parks will receive some additional tender loving care.

"Natural beauty is one of the best things southwest Indiana has to offer for tourists and visitors."

The DNR expects to restore up to 2,600 acres of natural habitat areas, build up to 110 miles of new trails, rehabilitate more than 1,100 miles of existing trails and restore about 40 structures. Training will include basic construction, historic preservation and greenway development skills.

The Department of Workforce Development and the DNR will oversee the program. Applications are being accepted online at www.in.gov/yhcc .

Indiana will receive about $24 million through the Workforce Investment Act. If the program proves effective, it will be renewed next year.

Some area examples of projects for the Hoosier Youth Conservation Corps:

* Shakamak State Park.

* Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area.

* Redbird State Riding Area.

* Vincennes State Historic Site.