Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County’s Summer Youth Employment Program has concluded its 17th season, providing paid work experience and skill development for at-risk youth. The program is a partnership between the county and several local agencies, targeting individuals aged 14 to 21 who are referred by professionals such as social workers or counselors.

Participants worked 20 hours per week over eight weeks, earning $9 per hour. Students from the Kenosha Unified School District also received a half credit toward high school graduation upon completion of both the job placement and a related curriculum. This year, 141 youths were enrolled across 21 public and private worksites.

“Over the years, this program has provided work skills and life skills to hundreds of youth, setting them on a path for lifelong success,” said Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “It’s an investment in the future of our community.”

Olivia Wade, a 17-year-old incoming senior at Tremper High School—one of Kenosha County’s largest schools with an enrollment of 1,458 students during the 2023-24 school year according to state data (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—is among those who have benefited from the program. After participating in previous years, she now works as a seasonal employee with Kenosha County Parks.

“It really did help me, because I wasn’t sure how to get a job at all,” Wade said. “Nobody ever taught me.”

Another former participant, River Kerpec, has also moved into seasonal employment with the county. Both reflect the program’s aims: improving employment skills and workplace conduct; fostering work ethic; increasing career awareness; and reducing gang involvement and juvenile crime.

Worksites included Kenosha County Parks where participants performed tasks such as painting gates and planting trees at Silver Lake Park or removing invasive plants along Pike River in Petrifying Springs Park. Isiah Dixon, a 15-year-old incoming sophomore at Indian Trail High School—the county’s largest school with more than 2,000 students enrolled (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—shared his experience: “It was really exciting coming here the first day. We got a lot done.”

Some participants joined the Summer Youth Employment in the Arts project by painting murals and working on other artistic projects for public display.

In addition to Kenosha County government, partners include the Kenosha Unified School District—which serves a diverse student body where white students accounted for about 55.6% (14,124) of enrollment in 2023-24 while Hispanic students made up roughly one quarter (25.7%, or 6,528) and Black students represented just over ten percent (10.4%, or 2,642), according to state education statistics (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, Community Impact Programs, and various participating worksites. Glenn Larson serves as Gang Intervention Supervisor overseeing this initiative.