AUGUSTA — Augusta Independent School will be participating in the TENCO Youth Employment program again this year.
According to AIS Superintendent Lisa McCane, the program provides employment and academic preparation, work experience, career exploration and post-secondary guidance for at-risk youth in the community.
Those participating in the program will be paid $8 per hour and work a maximum of 32 hours a week for a total of eight weeks during the summer.
Students can apply for the program as long as they are 17-24 years of age and live in Bracken County. They must also be at-risk financially or educationally. Applications will be available beginning May 1.
The program will take place between June 3 and July 31.
Applications for the program can be found by contacting AIS Principal Robin Kelsch or Guidance Counselor Chad Bryant at 606-756-2105.
McCane said she was pleased to see the program available again this year.
“The program was highly successful and benefited almost 30 at-risk youth last summer and we are pleased to have the opportunity to assist with local at-risk again this year. Often times it’s difficult in rural areas for youth to find employment so this is a huge benefit to Bracken County,” she said.
Nicole Arthur, an AIS student, said she enjoyed being a part of the program last year.
“The TENCO summer work program was a great experience this past summer,” she said. “Not only did I gain extra money throughout the summer, I received valuable training and lessons by attending the weekly meetings.”
Some of the local businesses said they were pleased with the success of the program in 2018.
“The TENCO Youth Employment Program provided us with four employees. These young men were outstanding workers who represented the program and the City of Augusta very well. We were pleased to get this opportunity and hope to continue the partnership in the future.” Troy Archibald, with the City of Augusta said.
Joel Linville, with Parkview Outdoors said the event was a positive experience for his company.
“I thought the program was beneficial for my company. We have found it to be difficult to find and keep help over the years. Your program allows us to work with the youth of the community, which has been difficult to do. The young man who worked for us over the summer through your program had little experience and just needed a chance. He shows up early everyday and wants to work. That is more than I can say for most adults 10 years his elder. I have since hired him full time and given him a raise,” he said.
