The City of Santa Clarita will host an award ceremony to recognize 63 local teens that completed the Youth Employment Services (YES) summer program at 5 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Activities Center on Aug. 2. CEO and Managing Partner of AMS Fulfillment, Ken Wiseman, will appear as a guest speaker for the event congratulating participants on their achievements and hard work.

As one of the programs under the Anti-Gang Task force, local at-risk, low-income, and special needs or special education youth are qualified to participate in the YES program. By providing employment opportunities and job skills training, the program helps prepare the future workforce and pave youth’s path to self-sufficiency.

“The YES program helps Santa Clarita youth gain employment experience, transition easier into the workforce and build references for future employment,” says Mayor Frank Ferry. “The awards ceremony is a way to recognize and congratulate graduating participants for their dedication and success.”

Since its inception in 1991, more than 1,000 Santa Clarita teens have successfully completed the program and acquired hands-on job readiness skills designed for future success. The YES program is funded by the City with a focus on creating jobs and acclimating local youth into the workforce. The program is a great way for teens to gain job experience such as customer service, operating a cash register, stocking merchandise, and supervising children.

Through various skill-building workshops organized by City staff, teens are provided with the necessary tools and training opportunities to prepare and secure employment opportunities. Teens participating in the YES program work approximately 15 hours per week for up to eight weeks, totaling 120 hours.

The success of the YES program comes from partnering with local employers including: AMS Fulfillment, AV Party Rental, Boys and Girls Club Newhall Site, Boys and Girls Club Sierra Vista Site, Carpet Clearance, City of Santa Clarita, CVS Pharmacy, Famous Footwear, Heads Up Horse Therapy, Henry Rodriguez State Farm Insurance, L.A. County Val Verde Park Site, Old Navy, Pet Supply, Placerita Junior High School, Sierra Vista Junior High School, Single Mother’s Outreach, Tee Plus, and TJ Maxx.

To learn more about the Youth Employment Services program, please contact Susie Cordova, YES Program Coordinator, at 661-286-4006 or visit www.santa-clarita.com.