WESTFIELD – YouthWorks summer employment program applications are available now for income-eligible youth between the ages of 14 to 21 who are not currently employed. Participants take part in paid short-term work placements at public, private and nonprofit organizations.

Participants take part in paid short-term work placements at public, private and nonprofit worksites, while receiving training in soft core skills and learning how to relate to supervisors and co-workers at their worksites. YouthWorks is a grant-funded program coordinated by Westfield High School Adjustment Counselor Joseph Fiore.

Selected youth earn the minimum wage of $13.50 an hour. Requirements include that the participant must have a family income for the most recent six-month period that does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For youth who are still enrolled in school, the program can accept evidence of eligibility for free lunch or reduced lunch under the federal program, which is capped at 185 percent of poverty level.

Anyone interested in applying may fill out the online application at youthworksdata.org. Applications are also available through a direct link in Google Classroom accounts.

If selected for an interview, youth will be asked to provide the following documents: social security card and proof of household income, which may be from school free/reduced lunch statu). Other documentation may be requested based on grant funding.

Consultant Sherry Elander, transitions specialist for Westfield Public Schools, said this year there is more flexibility in the program than before, with opportunities for online work.  She encouraged interested youth to apply as soon as possible.