New jobs program aims to boost employment in underserved communities

The City of San Diego is getting more than $19 million from the state to hire around 1,000 people. The jobs will be targeting people between the ages of 16 and 30 who have struggled to get ahead. Among those mentioned, foster youth, teens recently released from custody, and former gang members. The goal is to get them the skills they need to have long, successful careers.

It's called the Californians for all Youth Jobs Corps program. Not only will participants earn a paycheck, at least $15 dollars an hour, but they'll also be giving back to their communities. As a promotional video for the new program states, “Cities will soon begin recruiting young people from diverse backgrounds to help solve some of our greatest challenges - including climate action, COVID-19 recovery, and supporting our food banks.”