One program is helping youths in Kansas get entry level jobs.

The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas recently received federal funds as part of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act for its Summer Youth Employment Program. Youth work sites will be located in Cowley, Sumner, Harper and Kingman counties.

The program will place up to 500 youths ages 14 to 24 in entry-level and seasonal jobs at city, state, county, school and non-profit sites. Aside from the 20-hour work week, youths will be able to receive paid training on work-readiness skills to familiarize themselves with workplace expectations.

Employment will last eight to 10 weeks and will pay $7.25 per hour, according to an article by The Winfield Daily Courier. Eligible participants must be under 24-years old, unemployed, members of a low-income family and have a barrier to employment or education.

"For most participants, the SYEP is their first exposure to the workforce," the article notes. "The program provides experience that may not have been possible otherwise. The program is designed to provide youth with a summer income and to instill in them the skills and work ethic needed to advance as they prepare for life after high school or college."

Those interested can apply online at the Workforce Center Web site. Applications for the program will be accepted through April 30 and candidates will be placed with employers in early June.

Eligible employers are any city, state, county, school or non-profit work sites interested in providing experience to help increase the work readiness skills of youth. The program takes careful measures to ensure its candidates do not replace current employees or employees who have been laid off.