Embargoed Until Delivery Monday, July 19, 2010, 11:00am

CONTACT  Ryan O’Doherty (410)818-4269 ryan.odoherty@baltimorecity.gov

Mayor Rawlings-Blake Thanks Congressional Delegation for Summer Jobs Support Department of Labor grant provides 300 jobs for YouthWorks participants

BALTIMORE, MD. (Monday, July 19, 2010) – Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake thanked Baltimore City’s Congressional Delegation for their support of the YouthWorks summer jobs program today at a press conference at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The delegation was successful in securing a Department of Labor grant of $575,000 that provides six-week summer jobs in high growth industries to Baltimore youth and young adults as part of YouthWorks new Baltimore Career Corps project. “At the federal level, our strong Congressional delegation works consistently to provide local support to the citizens of Baltimore,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “This year, thanks to a grant sponsored by Congressman John Sarbanes and supported by the entire delegation, our YouthWorks summer jobs program is able to employ 300 young people in career-oriented positions at worksites such as Sinai Hospital, Civic Works and the National Aquarium.” “For nearly 30 years the National Aquarium has been an economic engine for the city and state, so we’re very pleased to partner with the city to support our future workforce through the 2010 Youth Works Baltimore Career Corps,” said Paula Schaedlich, chief operating officer for the National Aquarium in Baltimore. “The kids who are participating learn so much during the time they’re with us, and it’s gratifying to help them begin to develop the skills they’ll need to have successful careers.” These 300 youth workers are part of the more than 5,400 young people, ages 14-24, who are working this summer at more than 600 private sector and nonprofit locations throughout the city. At a cost of $1400 per participant to pay wages for these 30-hour per week positions, several sources of funding are being utilized to operate this city-wide program. “We need to provide our young people with the training and skills needed to succeed in a highly competitive job market,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin. “On-the-job experience is critical to future success and I am pleased that we were able to get the funding this year for YouthWorks ### Visit our Website @ www.baltimorecity.gov