For some teens, summer jobs are a way to earn some pocket money and keep boredom at bay. For others, though, it’s a crucial contribution to their families’ limited resources and a way to break a cycle of low expectations.
Since 2010, Billy Davis, founder of A Positive Step of Monroe County, has coordinated the Idle Hands summer jobs program for low-income teens in Key West. A Positive Step of Monroe County works in various capacities with the highest-risk kids in Key West, working to break generational cycles of poverty, crime, lack of education, teen pregnancy and absent fathers.
Through the Idle Hands program, high school students ages 16 to 18 interview for and receive jobs working in various departments for the City of Key West. A two-week orientation precedes their first day of work and includes discussion with city officials about expectations, professional skills, work attire and communication.
“Some of these kids won’t be going away to college, so this program teaches them interview, resume and job skills that they wouldn’t get anywhere else,” Davis said. “They get a regular paycheck and make connections with a potential future employer. But unfortunately, the funding we’ve typically received from the city — $35,000 a year — has been canceled due to budget cutbacks, and we’re hoping the community will contact their commissioners to let them know how critical this program is for the teens.”
Idle Hands since 2010 has provided jobs with the city for 20 to 25 kids each summer.
“That’s 25 kids who were introduced to the workforce, who earned a bi-weekly paycheck, who had less time to get in trouble because they were busy working, and who were able to help their families by buying their own clothes or school supplies,” Davis said.
The city has historically contributed $35,000 to the program, while David raises another $35,000 from private donations, Rotary clubs and the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. But without the city’s contribution for summer 2021, the program cannot survive, he said.
The $70,000 is used to pay the students for their six-hour work days throughout the summer and also funds one facilitator or “job coach,” who keeps up with each student and their supervisor to prevent or address any issues that may arise.
Davis is seeking the community’s support for the program and is asking residents to contact Mayor Teri Johnston and their city commissioners, who could direct the city manager to restore funding for the Idle Hands program.