KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County’s Summer Youth Employment Program is concluding its 17th year after providing paid jobs, job training, and life-skills development to more than 130 at-risk young people throughout the community. The program culminated Thursday with the unveiling of two murals created by participants in its arts component.
A county spokesperson joined participants, their families, and community partners at the unveiling ceremony. One mural will be displayed in the county’s new Human Services Building on 52nd Street, while the second will be installed at Hillcrest School.
In addition to the arts program, participants worked at 20 public- and private-sector sites across Kenosha County, including two county parks. The program serves youth ages 14 to 21 who are referred by social workers, counselors, parents, and other community organizations. This year, 133 young people participated, working 20 hours per week for eight weeks while earning $9 per hour. Kenosha Unified School District students who complete the program and its work-skills curriculum also receive a half-credit toward high school graduation.
“This program continues to provide valuable skills to youth — skills that will help to shape their careers and their lives for decades to come,” the county spokesperson said. “It truly is an investment in our future.”
County officials highlighted River Kerpec as an example of the program’s long-term success. Once a participant himself, Kerpec now works as a long-term seasonal employee with Kenosha County Parks, helping supervise current participants while attending Gateway Technical College with plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
According to the county, the program is designed to improve employment skills, build a strong work ethic, expand career awareness, and reduce gang involvement and juvenile crime.
“Over the years, the Summer Youth Employment Program has proven to be a valuable tool for prevention and education,” said Glenn Larson, the county’s Gang Intervention and Youth Justice Supervisor, who oversees the initiative. “It’s rewarding to see all that these youth have accomplished, for the community and for themselves and their families.”
The program is a partnership between Kenosha County, the Kenosha Unified School District, the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, Community Impact Programs, and participating employers throughout the county.
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