YouthWorks, a summer employment program funded by the Commonwealth and run by the City, employs at-risk and disadvantaged youth in the City who otherwise have significant barriers to employment.  The employment incorporates work-based learning, community service and leadership opportunities.  There are 44 youth working with various city departments, including the Parks Department, Water Department, Public Works Department, Sewer Department, Traffic Department, and the School Department.  The youth work 30 hours a week, Monday through Friday. The program runs from July 5th through September 2nd. Youth employment is one of the five Action Priority Areas of Healthy City Fall River.
 

(Top row) Supervisor Nelson Rodrigues oversees Amanda Luciano, Crystal Colon and Michael Gomez as they scrape old paint from a metal container prior to applying a coat of new paint. (Middle row) Samantha Chapman hands papers to her supervisor, Recycling Coordinator Betsey Westell at the Department of Public Works facility on Lewiston Street. Mike Somers sweeps debris from a path at the Oak Grove Cemetery. (Bottom row) Robert Paquette, Jenna Fernandes and Nicholas DaSilva apply a fresh coat of paint to one of the many fire hydrants in the Flint.