East Arkansas Regional Summer Youth Employment Initiative (EARSYEI)

The second East Arkansas Regional Summer Youth Employment Initiative (EARSYEI) is being held this year, officials at Forrest City City Hall announced this morning.

Those wanting to participate have a short window during which they can apply.

City halls in Forrest City, Lee and Monroe counties began accepting applications for the program today and will continue to accept them through 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 29.

The program’s goal is to provide entry-level work experience with private sector businesses encompassing a variety of jobs and industries. Additionally, participants will also be placed with local government entities and community-based organizations, according to a press release issued by Forrest City City Hall.

EARSYEI will provide youth placements in a variety of cities and towns in St. Francis, Lee and Monroe counties. The City of Forrest City will serve as the administrator of the program. Youth participants, ages 16 to 21 are asked to make applications with their local mayor’s office.

According to the press release, the city has received a grant through the Department of Workforce Servcies to fund the program with assistance from District 48 Rep. Reginald Murdock, D-Marianna. The grant will pay the salary for 85 youth participants, four mentors and program administrators.

“The selection criteria for youth will be based on application, interview, appearance and career readiness certification level,” said Forrest City Mayor Cedric Williams in the press release. “We will need the help of our area businesses to provide suitable jobs for these youth.”

Participants will typically work Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday each week will be used for professional development, job enhancement skills and social activities.

“EARSYEI, a transformative program returning for the second year, will follow in the line of the workforce development initiatives promoted by Governor Hutchinson and his department heads in many of their public remarks emphasizing a regional focus relative to workforce development,” said Williams.

(Continued from Page 1) For more information, contact the Forrest City’s Mayor’s Office at 870-633-1315, e m a i l city@cityofforrestcityar.com or contact EARSYEI program administrators at 870-527-7649 or earsyei@gmail.com

Businesses wanting to participate in the program should call either of the number listed above.