To print this article open the file menu and choose Print. Click here to return to previous page Article published May 22, 2006 May 22, 2006 Murray’s youth job goal gets backing Priority was for 1,000 to have summer work By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF scroteau@telegram.com WORCESTER— A citywide community improvement group is backing the mayor’s goal of having 1,000 jobs for city youths this summer after it made youngsters a priority. Common Pathways sought input from residents over the past year and then the group set priorities, one being youth, said Dennis L. Irish, a member of Common Pathways. The group then decided to throw its support behind Mayor Timothy P. Murray’s goal of having 1,000 summer jobs for youths. Mr. Irish said the halfway goal has already been reached. “We think if we give kids the opportunity to work they are less likely to get in trouble,” Mr. Irish said. “We are just trying to make sure it happens.” Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said summer jobs are a good way to keep teens off the street and give them positive role models in the work force. If young people are involved in sort of summer camp or employed over the summer, chances lessen that they will be in trouble, the chief said. Tim J. Garvin, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts, believes there are several benefits from having the summer jobs for youths. The jobs give teens an introduction into the work force and help businesses, he said. Teens will also be more qualified for jobs when they graduate from high school, Mr. Garvin added. The Worcester School Department also has data that show when teens work summer jobs their academic scores go up, Mr. Garvin said. Petty crime will also go down, he added. Any business wishing to offer a job to the program is asked to call the Worcester Community Action Council at (508) 754-1176. Mr. Garvin said money donations will also be accepted and all money goes to the jobs program. Call the United Way of Central Massachusetts at (508) 757-5631 to inquire about how to give money. Order the Telegram & Gazette, delivered daily to your home or office! www.telegram.com/homedelivery Copyright Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp.