Submitted by Tennessee Career Center

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) staff at the Tennessee Career Center in Vonore is thrilled about the great response from area employers who are providing job placement, work experience and training for the Future Stars at Work Program.  The program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus package.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the youth in our community to be involved in a  program that lets them earn money, participate in leadership activities, and obtain work experience," said a WIA staff representative. "We strive to help teens achieve their potential in becoming self-sufficient adults with positive work ethics."

WIA is providing services to approximately 110 youth this summer.  Eighty-seven youth are placed at job sites in Madisonville, Sweetwater, Tellico Plains, Vonore and other areas throughout the county.  The ARRA program provides eight weeks (June 1-July 23) of paid work experience for ages 16-24.  Also, WIA has nine other participants in the regular summer youth funding on work sites and 10 other participants enrolled in the summer school program.

The ARRA program will help the general economy as youth spend their earnings at local merchants. For more information about WIA services, call (423) 884-2405.