It may be cold outside, but Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says now is the time to apply for the city's Summer Youth Employment Program. More than 1,400 young people took part in the 2013 program.The City of Buffalo is now accepting applications for the program. Brown says it's not about just pushing a broom.
"You will get different training, whether it is budgeting, life skills, communication skills training, dress for success, things that will prepare you to be successful," Brown said Thursday.
Since 2006, more than 19,000 city youth have participated in the six-week program, which is described as "meaningful employment." Brown says a growing number of employers have signed up and the city has increased funding.
"We are now spending at the highest level in the history of city of Buffalo on summer youth employment," said Brown.
Commissioner of Community Services Otis Barker says the program stresses internship because it's a learning opportunity.
"It's a learning opportunity from the moment you bring your application in. We have turned people back to take their applications home if they've done them in pencil. We've helped them to completely fill it out because we only accept completed applications," Barker said.
The program is open to residents between the ages of 14 and 21. Applications are available in City Hall or on the City of Buffalo's website.