PHOTO BY CLARE JENSEN

The Tribe honored the hard work of youth who participated in the summer work program recently with a luncheon at the Emerald Queen Casino. A group of youth choose to participate in the program’s work-readiness course of-fered in conjunction with Goodwill. This year was the first time the course was available to youth in addition to the summer work program.

Youth recognized for hard work

By Clare Jensen

About 30 youth went to work for the Tribe this summer, filling openings all over the job map through the annual Summer Youth Work program.

The youth worked in various positions in tribal departments in administration, fisheries, tribal court, council, per capita office, housing, day care and at the cemetery.

About 18 young adults opted to get a little work-related education for a couple of weeks this summer through the Tribe’s Workforce Investment Act’s (WIA) recent partnership with Tacoma Goodwill Industries.

The students participated in a two-week Work Readiness course, and got schooled in financial education. They gained skills in preparing a resume, interviewing etiquette and an understanding of the steps in getting a job.

Those who decided to work over the summer not only got paid for their labor, they also received invaluable job training skills, as well as a look at the inner workings of the Tribe.

Shanda Roy is a WIA assistant who helps coordinate the Summer Youth Work program. She began her career with the Tribe as a youth worker, and sees that potential with many of the youth she helps enroll in the program.

Shanda Roy noted WIA tries to get youth working in different departments each year they participate in order to broaden  their horizons and ideas for their adult career pursuits.

Rob George, a 17-year-old Chief Leschi student, has participated in the program for several years. He has worked in a several different positions, from cemetery maintenance to the housing program.

“I learned a lot,” he said. “I painted…built houses…I think I’m ready for it [full-time work,]” he said.

 On Aug. 22, all 30 youth workers, their employers and adult co-workers were invited to a luncheon to show appreciation for all participants in the program.

“We want to show appreciation for the youth workers, their supervisors and the workers who worked with the youth,” Shanda Roy said.

WIA Director Toni DeBrie noted that even the adult co-workers who spent time with the youth this summer have benefited.

“They [youth workers] bring a unique talent and character that has enhanced people’s lives. It has been a pleasure working with the Tribal youth and teaching them resources to enter the workforce. Someday they’ll be able to come back into the tribal community and help them.”

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