Program Gives Job Experience to Young

For many teenagers, summertime in Los Angeles means heading to the beach to spend a lazy day in the sun. Not for Mahogany West.

The 17-year-old is spending her vacation at the office, learning the ways of the working world at Chatsworth-based Great Western Bank. Citywide, about 3,000 young men and women are participating in an employment outreach program called L.A. Youth at Work.

“I just want to have the better things in life,” Mahogany said, explaining that the program has sharpened her skills and offered a glimpse of a better future.

Created two years ago by the city’s Private Industry Council and funded by several local businesses, L.A. Youth at Work was designed as a private-sector supplement to the federally funded Summer Youth Employment Training Program, which provides more than 13,000 public sector summer jobs for teenagers, said Chairwoman Elizabeth Shoemaker. The federal program faces an uncertain future after its funding was nearly eliminated earlier this year. Funding for the program was reinstated but reduced by about one-third.

Khy Trenier, human resources specialist at Great Western, said that in addition to the work experience it gives participants, the program provides valuable opportunities for employers as well.

“The opportunity to train and [serve as a] mentor is a great experience,” she said. “It’s been very rewarding for us.”

At Great Western, 13 students are working about 20 hours per week at various bank locations. The best reward? A paycheck.

“I’m just going to save it,” Mahogany said, adding that she hopes to pursue a law degree after finishing high school.

For Lashawnae King, 22, the job was both a learning experience and a confidence booster.

“Now I’m not really nervous or scared when I go out on interviews,” she said.

Trenier, an enthusiastic supporter of opening doors for young people, said she hopes the program will grow and attract more businesses.

“I think it’s very important that everyone be open to this,” she said. “We’re giving them work experience and a contact that should last them the rest of their lives.”

For more information, call (213) 744-2554.