Okanagan College received more than $19,000 in funding from the federal government in order to support youth employment in Revelstoke, Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks announced on Thursday.
The $19,000 is from the Government of Canada's Youth Awareness Program, which is designed to help youth learn about educational and career options in the area.
The college plans on using the funding to host a workshop for employers to inform them about the resources and programs available when hiring youth, as well as the advantages of doing so. It will also host a job fair to provide youth with information about the local job market, educational options, and help connect them with employers.
"Okanagan College is excited about the opportunities this federal funding will provide to youth in Revelstoke," said Mary Kline, a program coordinator at the Okanagan College. "As with most rural communities, youth underemployment is a significant issue. This funding will help connect Revelstoke youth with long-term and sustainable employment."
The Youth Awareness Program is part of the government's $300 million Youth Employment Strategy.