RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Two summer programs can provide work experience to Randolph youth while they earn money for college.
The Youth Employment Skills program, open to children of active-duty members in grades 9-12, allows children to "bank" up to $4 an hour ($1,000 maximum) for college by working in a Randolph agency or command unit. The Junior Volunteer program is open to children (ages 14-18) of retiree and civilian Team Randolph members looking to volunteer while gaining valuable work experience without pay,said Jeri Peterson, 12th Services Division Youth Programs director.
"The situation is a win-win for both programs," Ms. Peterson said. "Teens get work experience which they can use later in life. They learn to dress professionally, show up for work and do the job. They can find out if working in a particular field is good for them and agencies get motivated help for administrative duties, filing, answering phones or light manual work."
Ms. Peterson added both programs are ideal for teens aged 14-15 who are too young to be hired for a minimum-wage job or drive to work, but still want community-service type employment they can list on college applications.
YES and Junior Volunteers have historically accepted from 16 to 38 teens per summer, placing them in organizations such as the 12th Services Division, 12th Medical Group, Randolph Fire Department, 12th Security Forces Squadron, base legal office, civil engineering and arts & crafts center, Ms. Peterson said.
"It all depends on how many agencies we have listed who want to participate and how many teens we have applying for positions," Ms. Peterson added.
Jean Lambert, 12th Services Division Youth Programs school age coordinator, has employed youths from both programs as food service assistants setting up lunches for children at the youth services center. They gather food supplies, set up lunch tables and clear and clean them after meals.
"They're a great help to our staff and to our program," Ms. Lambert said. "Some of them are even like big brothers and big sisters to the children without siblings."
Ms. Peterson said teens accepted for the programs will be briefed on their duties, basic
work professionalism and time management skills. Also, there will be an attempt to ensure each position meshes with the applicant's occupational interests. Ms. Peterson will stay in contact with the employing organizations throughout the summer to ensure teens meet job performance objectives.
Teens interested in applying for YES and Junior Volunteers or base organizations wanting to hire teens through these programs may reach Ms. Peterson at 652-3298.