Creators Syndicate - Celebrating 20 Years as a World-Class Syndicate Of Talent

Teens Belong in Summer Jobs

by Froma Harrop

Put disadvantaged teens into summer jobs. Hook them into the world of work. They'll come home with new skills, discipline, contacts and, yes, money.

Seems pretty obvious — but apparently not in Washington, which in 2000 gutted the Summer Youth Employment Program. The program had been helping 600,000 mostly low-income young people find jobs.

The labor market is now caving for teens from all backgrounds. But for low-income, black and Hispanic kids, it's the "Great Depre ...

( Back to Article )

Join the Discussion

2 Comments | Post Comment

Report this post

Posted by: charles Waugh
Comment: #1
Fri May 30, 2008 12:37 PM

Lets speak to the point that the minimum wage laws are keeping teens from being employeed. If you aren't productive enough to be worth the minimum wage then you aren't going to be employeed. Many of the low income Kids could compete by being able to negotiate a lower pay for a job. The minimum wage does not provide a job to anyone, it negates your ability to contract yourself at a profitable wage.

Report this post

Posted by: Mike
Comment: #2
Sun Jun 1, 2008 9:26 AM

I completely agree with Charles. Minimum wage increases, deter employment. It is that simple. Business owners are less inclined to take a chance on a new employee and hire fewer employees to keep costs in line. I could not disagree with Ms. Harrop's conclusions more; It is the govenrment's involvement that IS the problem. Next time she should consdier actually interviewing business owners. She might actually have some insight then.

Already have an account? Log in.

New Account
Your Name:
Your E-mail:
Your Password:
Confirm Your Password:

Creators.com comments policy