Youth-job program interest high

The Clarion-Ledger, 6/15/8

Almost 900 youths turned out Saturday morning for Jackson Mayor Frank Melton’s summer youth employment meeting at Greater Tree of Life Baptist Church.

“I was expecting 150 to 200 kids (to enroll). When I walked in I was looking into the faces of 891,” Melton said. “I’m going to start making calls for pre-employment interviews on Monday.”

A key issue that could hamper the mayor’s plans is funding for the program, especially since the interest was greater than expected. The workers will be paid $7 an hour and could earn up to $1,400 during the 10-week employment period, the mayor said.