WORKFORCE
Staff and volunteers at the New Mexico 50+ Employment Connection in Santa Fe work to find jobs for individuals age 50 and older. From left to right are staff member Dorothy Lopez, volunteer Georgia Larson, Kelly Smith, a veteran's representative with the Department of Workforce Solutions, and volunteer Sue Fenimore.
Overview of Projects to Benefit New Mexico Workforce
More than $142 million will come to New Mexico to provide summer youth jobs, increase unemployment benefits and modernize New Mexico's unemployment insurance claims and tax system.
Examples of programs include summer youth employment programs, extra training for dislocated workers, and services to help unemployed New Mexicans boost their education or skills in order to reenter the workforce.
Unemployed New Mexicans have also seen a $25 weekly benefit increase courtesy through the Recovery Act - which is expected to total $52 million over time.
These funds will help strengthen New Mexico's workforce and help families weather the recession.
WORKFORCE PROJECT
Summer Youth Employment Program
Funding Recipient: Four Local Workforce Development Boards
Award: $5.26 million
Location: Statewide
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Labor
In April 2009, more than $5.26 million in Workforce Investment Act funds were distributed to four local workforce development boards to conduct a summer youth employment program. The program provided subsidized employment to youth who have barriers to employment. The program ran from May through September 30, 2009.
Participants gain real-time work experience in the public and private sector. Youth also participated in work readiness courses teaching about timeliness, attendance, appropriate dress, resume writing, and interviewing skills.
Statewide, 1,709 youth, ages 14-24, participated. Regionally,
- 354 youth participated in the north;
- 529 youth participated in the southwest;
- 476 participated in the central region;
- 350 youth participated in the east.
Source: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
