'Employment plays a pivotal role': Turner joins city officials in launch of Hire Houston Youth program

Accompanied by city officials and business leaders, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner launched the 7th Annual Hire Houston Youth program this week, according to a press release issued by his office.

The initiative provides youth ages 16–24 paid summer jobs and internships with the city plus public, private and philanthropic sectors.

“Employment plays a pivotal role in reducing gender, ethnic, racial and other social inequalities," Turner said in the release. "Therefore, providing meaningful employment experiences for our youth is in the best interest of all, including young people, their communities and Houston as a whole.”

Spring break promoted the extension of the application window from March 11 to April 8, Turner said.

Hire Houston Youth offered nearly 10,000 job and internship opportunities, the release stated.

Turner has established 12,000 as this year's benchmark for opportunities offered to teenagers and young adults, with a stretch goal of 15,000, his office said.

A $150,000 grant from the National League of Cities (NLC) will fund the program.

Houston was one of five U.S. cities to be awarded the grant, according to the release.

The NLC will also help the city advance its efforts to create more STEM career pathways for marginalized youth.