Mayor Turner pushing for more summer jobs for the youth in Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you're a youth and looking for a summer job in the city of Houston, you are in luck.

Mayor Sylvester Turner has called on Houston corporations and nonprofits to join the Hire Houston Youth summer jobs program.

Turner has a goal of providing 5,000 jobs for the youth. So far, the city of Houston says there has been pledges from companies for just 3,000 positions.

"There is an urgent need for more companies to step up and offer summer employment opportunities for our youth," Turner said in a press release. "An able and ready workforce is essential to ensuring a strong economic future for Houston. With the demand for skilled workers currently outpacing our workforce supply, it is more important than ever that local youth are connected to employment and training opportunities. Don't let our kids down. Join us in helping to change lives!"

The program provides youth, ages 16 to 24, with a seven week summer internship or job and earning $8 an hour.

To apply to positions within the City of Houston, you can visit the city's website. Starting in early April, applications for other positions at different companies will be accepted on the program's website.