The city Department of Community Services, aided by the federal stimulus package, has launched a Summer Youth Employment Program for economically disadvantaged youths and young adults.

"I'm very pleased that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is providing federal funding just in time to create jobs for youth and young adults during the summer," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a news release. "Not only does this help stimulate our economy, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for our youth to learn work maturity skills and help them become productive and valuable members of our workforce."

The program is open to ages 14 to 24, and will employ 650 workers during the six-week period from June 15 through July 24.

Workers will earn minimum wage and be employed for 30 hours a week at various work sites islandwide, hosted by city and state departments and private nonprofit organizations.

Applications will be available today through April 3, at the Youth Services Center, Kailua Satellite City Hall, and at the following Oahu WorkLinks Centers:

Youth Services Center/WIA Youth Program, 1505 Dillingham Blvd., Suite 206; Oahu WorkLinks One Stop Centers, 1505 Dillingham Blvd., Suite 110; 830 Punchbowl St., Room 112; 94-275 Mokuola St., Suite 300 in Waipahu; 85-670 Farrington Highway, Room 6 in Wai'anae; and 54-010 Kukuna Road in Hau'ula.

Applications can also be downloaded at www.honolulu.gov/dcs/specialprojects/youthservices.htm.

For questions regarding applications, call Donna Fautanu at 832-7818.