Youth summer employment program
to host breakfast rally in Oakland

By Globe Staff

The Oakland business community will gather on Tuesday, April 11 for the 2006 Mayor’s Summer Job Program (MSJP) kickoff breakfast.
    The event will run from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Oakland Marriott’s Jewett Ballroom and will feature remarks by Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente and youth speakers, live entertainment and an appearance by the Prescott Clowns.
    Sara Sidner, weekend co-anchor for KTVU-TV, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
    Admission to the breakfast is $50 per person or $500 for a table of 10. All proceeds from the breakfast are used to sponsor youth job placements at local nonprofit organizations. Reservations can be made by calling (510) 483-7333 or e-mailing rlett@oaklandnet.com.
    The event will provide an opportunity for Oakland businesses to learn more about the MSJP. Studies have shown that youth who are employed in a summer job have a higher high school graduation rate and tend to continue on to college. The young adults, ranging from 16 to 21 years of age, also gain valuable job skills, experience and confidence that they can succeed in future endeavors.
    Upon joining the program, the youth participate in an extensive pre-employment training program that instills a positive attitude, enhanced communication skills and good job performance habits. After the training, youth are placed in positions for six to eight weeks during the summer months and typically work 20 to 40 hours per week.
    Organized by the city of Oakland and the Oakland Workforce Investment Board, the 2006 MSJP is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
    The MSJP has impacted more than 30,000 youth since its inception in 1968.
    In 2005, the program placed nearly 380 youth with employers.