Hagåtña, Guam – The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration and the Guam Department of Labor launched the 2023 Year-Round In-School Youth Program last week to provide work readiness opportunities to Guam’s high school students. The program accepts up to 120 students and includes work readiness workshops, occupational skills training, and a paid six-week summer employment in the private sector. Participants are taught real-world employment skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, work ethics, communication skills, respecting peers, and more. Eligible students must be enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade, between the ages of 14 to 21, and meet other criteria. The summer employment program will run from June 5 to July 20, 2023. 

“Through strong partnerships, you can see the government and the private sector working together to provide gainful opportunities for Guam’s youth that have the potential to shape their lives for good,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Raising the quality of life begins with investing in the youngest among us. Empowering students at the brink of their young adult life will build their potential and, at the very least, expand their understanding of the working world.”

“This is an innovative program we created to prepare high school students for promising career paths at an important time in their life,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “As we build our island’s prosperity, young people are at the forefront of our initiatives. They are shaping industries, broadening economies, and bringing their generation’s brand of ingenuity to the table. Our administration is committed to supporting them and improving the quality of life for all.”

Among the students who participated in the career readiness workshop last week was George Washington High School senior Abbie-Therese Leon Guerrero-Borja. After the program, Leon Guerrero-Borja plans to study business administration at the University of Guam.

“The one thing I’ve learned about the program is that it helps you understand the importance of the workforce and the ethics of working. It prepares you to understand and learn the standards of being employed,” said Leon Guerrero-Borja. “The workshop experience was so entertaining, and it inspired and motivated me as well.”

Interested students are encouraged to apply by contacting the American Job Center at 671-475-7000/0001 or ajc.training@dol.guam.gov, or visiting the AJC at the GCIC Building, 414 W Soledad Ave, 3rd Floor, in Hagåtña.

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