While lawmakers intent on reducing federal spending ask corporate America to pick up the tab for summer youth programs, a new survey released by the NACo reveals the private sector isn’t responding at the level needed to replace federal funds.
Conducted by the National Association of Training and Employment Professionals, an affiliate of NACo, the survey suggests that despite strong efforts by local summer program sponsors — county and city officials — only 32 percent of survey respondents have attracted corporate funds for summer job programs this year. In the meantime, one-in-four respondents report that local governments are shouldering more of the costs.
More than 50 percent of the nation’s 612 Service Delivery Area (SDA) summer program sponsors responded to the 13-question survey. SDAs are designated geographic areas associated with the nation’s job training system. They are typically created and managed by private industry leaders and local elected officials.
With summer fast approaching, program sponsors are concerned the private sector will fall far short of hiring enough youths to replace the loss of the “Summer Youth Employment and Training Program.”
In 1995, more than 600,000 youths age 14-21 were employed in the summer program, which provides work and education for economically disadvantaged youth. Congress has failed to approve funds for the summer of 1996.
Survey respondents say they’ve been given little direction for administering the uncertain program. Forty-four percent of respondents have yet to receive any guidance or direction from governors, elected officials or private industry councils concerning planning efforts. Those receiving guidance say most of it has come from local elected officials and private industry councils.
Comments accompanying the survey indicate that many sponsors see the program as a vital step toward building positive work values and are concerned that communities will suffer without the summer youth program. Fewer than half the SDAs have any carryover funds from 1995 that can be used this summer.