Monroe County businesses can sign up now to have technically certified interns at no cost to them through the Digital Skills for Youth program.

The program is an initiative of RochesterWorks! in conjunction with New York Wired for Education, local school districts and businesses. 

Local companies are eligible to apply for up to five summer interns for the six-week period beginning on or about July 2, 2007. RochesterWorks! will support the internships by providing funding to companies for the intern's wages. It is anticipated that youth would be paid $7.15 an hour for approximately 20 hours a week over the six weeks.

RochesterWorks! is seeking 30 businesses to participate, says Viatta Carter, Manager, RochesterWorks! Career Center.

"Employers can benefit from the Digital Skills for Youth program's talented summer interns, who have gained critical business and technical skills by completing a rigorous on-line curriculum over an eight-week period," Carter says.

Technical certification in the program equips participating youth between ages 14 and 18 in ten core competencies including time management, business etiquette, listening skills, and coping effectively with diverse populations. The program also teaches Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point.

"This is an excellent opportunity to expose youth to career fields/areas in the local workforce in order to gain practical experience and be better prepared to make post-high school career decisions," Carter says.

For more information, employers can contact Kelly Damick, 258-3552.   

Youth: Join Digital Skills for Youth Call Now!  Opportunities are Limited! Are you ready to gain the skills employers and colleges are looking for! Join Digital Skills for Youth and become digitally certified!   See how to sign up