Area youth are able to apply for summer as part of the City of Savannah Coastal Workforce Investment Board's new youth employment program, Coastal Key-nection: Raising the Bar for Job Readiness.

The Youth Summer Job Program will be funded with a $1 million federal economic stimulus grant made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Coastal Key-nection is geared toward unemployed, low-income young residents, ages 14-24. Youth can apply for summer jobs online, at www.coastalworkforceservices.org (click on Coastal Key-nection link), or by calling 1-866-862-8763. Applications will be accepted through April 30.

Applicants will be chosen by lottery, then will be given a date, time and location to report to and complete the eligibility and application process. Jobs will begin with one week of job readiness training, followed by up to six weeks of work experience.   

At least 400 jobs will be available throughout Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties. Jobs will be primarily with public and nonprofit organizations. Proof of family income will be required.