HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 24229: PAEDC, TO UTILIZE PRE-EMPLOYMENT WORKFORCE TRAINING FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (YEP) R
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDAM
Date: 03/14/2025
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ronald Burton, CPM I City Manager
From: Terry Stokes,PAEDC Chief Executive Officer
RE: P.R. 24229 I A resolution authorizing the Port Arthur Economic Development
Corporation to Utilize Pre-Employment Workforce Training Funds to Implement
the Youth Employment Program (YEP).
Introduction:
The purpose of this agenda item is to seek City Council authorization for the Port Arthur
Economic Development Corporation to utilize pre-employment workforce training funds for
implementing the Youth Employment Program (YEP).
Background:
The Youth Employment Program provides students with real-world learning experiences that
extend beyond the classroom. It allows them to apply what they've learned academically in a
professional setting, fostering relationships between students, local businesses, and industry
professionals.
Open to Port Arthur residents graduating high school in 2025 or incoming seniors graduating
in 2026,the program aims to help participants enhance their skills and gain experience in a
business environment related to their studies.
Budget Impact:
Participants will be paid between $18.00 and$20.00 per hour for a maximum of 40 hours per
week,with total earnings not exceeding 320 hours of pay.
A Pre-Employment Workforce Training Fund for a Youth Employment Program has a budget of
$96,000, available in FY 24-25 PAEDC Account No. 120-80-625-5440-00-00-000.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council of Port Arthur authorize the Port Arthur Economic
Development Corporation to proceed with the Youth Employment Program(YEP).
P. R.No. 24229
03/13/2025 SDG
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PORT ARTHUR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO UTILIZE
PRE-EMPLOYMENT WORKFORCE .TRAINING FUNDS TO
IMPLEMENT A YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $96,000; FUNDS AVAILABLE IN
PAEDC ACCOUNT NO. 120-80-625-5440-00-00-000
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1967 during the 83'1 Legislative
Session which amended Chapter 501 of the Local Government Code by adding §501.163 allowing
for economic development funds to be utilized for the purpose of the pre-employment training and
education; and
WHEREAS, the PAEDC Youth Employment Program will provide job opportunities for
high school graduates and incoming high school seniors who already possess job-related skills and
the knowledge to "learn as they earn"; and
WHEREAS,PAEDC will use guidelines (attached as Exhibit"A") for applications and the
placement of up to fifteen (15) Port Arthur high school graduates and incoming seniors graduating
in 2026 with employers who may have job opportunities in the fields of study of the students
participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program.
WHEREAS, at its March 12, 2025, regular meeting, the PAEDC Board of Directors
approved the use of funds from the PAEDC Pre-Employment Training Program to establish the
Youth Employment Program which is designed to support fifteen (15) high school graduates from
the class of 2025, as well as incoming seniors graduating in 2026, who are residents of Port Arthur.
The program will include Board-approved waivers for students under the age of 18. Participants will
earn up to$20.00 per hour and will be strategically placed in jobs that align directly with their career
goals.
PR 24229
Page 1
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby authorizes PAEDC to use its Pre-Employment
Workforce training funds for the payment of wages not to exceed $20.00 per hour for up to fifteen
(15) Port Arthur high school graduates and incoming high school seniors to participate in the Youth
Employment Program established by PAEDC with the total cost of the program not to exceed
$96,000.
Section 3. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the
City Council.
READ,ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of A.D., 2025, at
a Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor
Councilmembers
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartle, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard,City Secretary
PR 24229
Page 2
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APPROVED:
Terry Stokes,PAEDC CEO
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
.0 4L�
Charlie Zech, PAEDC Attorney
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS:
b4.-hca
LyndaBoswell,Finance Director
PR 24229
Page 3
�--- .
PR 24229
(4
PORT*ARTHUR,
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Youth
Employment Program (YEP)
The Youth Employment Program aims to provide students with a real-world learning environment
outside the classroom. This allows them to apply the concepts, principles, and models theyhave
PPY p , theories,
learned in their academic studies to a professional practice setting. In doing so,the program not only
meets the students'educational needs,but also helps establish closer relationships between the students,
businesses, and local practitioners. This facilitates the exchange of contemporary thinking and insights
among all involved,while also providing valuable community service.
The Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation's Youth Employment Program is open to
residents of Port Arthur who are 2025 high school graduates or incoming seniors graduating in 2026.
The program's goal is to allow successful candidates to improve their skills and gain experience
working in a business environment closely related to their field of study.
Participants will receive an hourly salary from the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation.
However,they will be responsible for their living accommodations and transportation. Most positions
will be in Port Arthur, Texas,though some may be offered in Beaumont or other nearby communities.
The placements will be a maximum of eight weeks in duration.
ELIGIBILITY
The Port Arthur Youth Employment Program is accessible to 2025 high school graduates and
incoming high school seniors graduating in 2026 who reside in Port Arthur and are legally authorized
to work in the United States.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for the Youth Employment Program, applicants must submit a completed application
by Mav 2,2025,to the Port Arthur EDC staff.Interested individuals should send their application
alone with a copy of a document verifvin2 their residency to:
Port Arthur EDC: Or Mail To:
Mr. Shawn Granger Mr. Shawn Granger
Email your Youth Employment
application and Program
documents to: 501 Procter St. Suite
Subject: YEP 100
Application (Last Port Arthur,TX 77640
Name)
sgranger(upaedc.org
PR 24229
irr
46
PORT*ARTHUR
AVAILABILITY OF POSITIONS
PortArthur Economic Development Corporation will offer a total of upto fifteen(15)positions.
The p rp
This initiative will involve an engaging service-learning approach aimed at integrating theoretical
knowledge,concepts,models, and technical or clinical skills within a professional environment.
Participants will be placed in business settings,where they will work under the guidance of qualified
professionals who are experienced in the students' respective fields of study.
DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT
All employment assignment periods will begin on June 2,2025,and last no more than 8 weeks(about 2
months),with an end date of August 15,2025. There are no uniform start dates for these positions.
SALARIES
Participants will be paid an hourly rate ranging from $18.00 to$20.00,with a maximum of 40 work
hours per week. They will not receive compensation for any overtime hours that exceed 40 per week.
Additionally,their total earnings during the employment period cannot exceed the equivalent of 320
hours of pay.
OBJECTIVES FOR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT
The program offers students an opportunity to gain work experience, including partial on-the-job training
relevant to their chosen field. The purpose of this experience is to enhance their readiness for future job
opportunities. Staff from PAEDC, ISDs, and industry partners will strive to connect participants with
businesses corresponding to their study area.
• Upon completion of the summer employment,students should be able to:
o Illustrate the fusion of academic concepts with real-world applications in their discipline.
o Expand their insights and understanding of their field of study.
o Cultivate an awareness of the responsibilities,roles,and both legal and ethical duties of a full-
time professional in their area.
o Observe and acquire experience in leadership, supervision,management,and interpersonal
relations.
o Analyze their strengths and weaknesses while formulating strategies for personal enhancement.
Youth Participant Guidelines for the PAEDC
• Youth participants must notify the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation(PAEDC)of
any changes to their address,phone number, email,or name. This responsibility begins at the time
of application and continues until the end of employment.
• Progress Reports and Timesheets: All progress reports and timesheets must be completed
promptly.
• Consultation: Participants should consult with the PAEDC regarding any issues related to the
objectives of YEP.
PR 24229
• Professional Conduct: It is essential to conduct oneself in a professional, legal,and ethical
manner,as participants' actions reflect the overall reputation of the program.
Youth participants in the program must:
• Complete and submit all required program forms to the business.
• Follow the program's conditions and adhere to the business's procedures.
• Abide by regulations concerning the business's employees and fulfill all assigned tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients.
• Assess daily activities, interactions,and events.
• Prepare for weekly meetings with the business supervisor by asking questions and
presenting constructive ideas.
• Plan all assignments thoroughly and in advance.
• Inform the business supervisor well in advance of any absences.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect, courtesy,and tact.
• Seek guidance from the business supervisor when encountering problems they cannot solve
independently.
• View themselves as a member of the business's work team.
Agreement Between Businesses,Youth Participants,and the Port Arthur Economic
Development Corporation
• Business shall establish an agreement with the Youth Participant and the Port Arthur
Economic Development Corporation. This agreement will outline the general
responsibilities,work dates,hours, and the roles and responsibilities of the students within
the business.
• Businesses must not discriminate against any employee based on race,religion,color, sex,
national origin,age, gender identity, or disability. A safe and non-hostile work environment
must be provided.
• Businesses shall present participants with an overview of their purposes, policies,administration,
programs,and facilities. They must confer with the participant before and during employment to
define their responsibilities.
• Businesses should inform participants of all regulations they must follow and introduce them
to the business staff as colleagues to affirm their status.
• Businesses must assign a supervisor for the participant and maintain communication with them at
the start of employment and periodically thereafter. Open communication should be upheld
throughout employment, especially if any issues arise.
• Businesses shall gradually introduce the participant to the employment experience, starting with
observations and minor duties and increasing responsibilities as the summer progresses.
• Businesses must maintain open communication with the Port Arthur Economic Development
Corporation about the program,particularly regarding any challenges. They shall evaluate and
provide feedback to each participant on the Progress Reports submitted to the Port Arthur
Economic Development Corporation.
PR 24229
PORT*ARTHUR
March , 2025
Dear Local Business Owner,
The Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation (PAEDC) is excited to announce the 2025
edition of its Youth Employment Program (YEP). This program is aimed at 2025 high school
graduates and incoming seniors graduating in 2026 who are residents of the City of Port Arthur.
The YEP is designed to provide a learning environment outside of the classroom, allowing
participants to apply concepts, principles, theories, and models in a professional setting. Our goal
is to help selected candidates improve their skills and gain valuable experience in a business
environment related to their field of study. Participants typically find this experience rewarding
and engaging.
PAEDC will pay all interns an hourly wage between $18.00 and$20.00, based on a maximum of
40 hours per week. Interns will not be compensated for any hours worked beyond 40 hours per
week and cannot exceed a total of 320 hours paid during the program. Additionally, interns are
responsible for their own living accommodations and transportation.
This internship program offers practical work experience that counts as partial on-the-job
training in the student's fields of study,with the aim of helping them compete more successfully
for future employment opportunities. PAEDC staff will make every effort to match participants
with businesses that align with their areas of study. Internships will begin on June 2, 2025, and
will last for a maximum of 8 weeks, concluding on or before August 15, 2025.
We invite your business to participate in the PAEDC's 2025 Youth Employment Program.
Please complete and return the attached Participation Form. By doing so,you can help an intern
broaden their horizons and gain a better understanding of the roles, duties, and responsibilities of
a full-time professional in their field.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support local youth!
Respectfully,
Shawn Granger, M.CD, MBA
Workforce and Community Development Manager
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
501 Procter Street, Suite 100
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Office: 409-963.0579
Mobile: 409.282.1175
PR 24229
sr-
poRT*ARTHUf,
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
2025 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (YEP)
PARTICIPATION FORM
BUSINESS NAME:
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
CONTACT PERSON:
PHONE:
E-MAIL:
[] YES, I WILL PARTICIPATE
[] NO, I WILL NOT PARTICIPATE
HOW MANY INTERNS WILL YOU NEED?
WHAT POSITION(S) WILL THE INTERN(S) HOLD?
CONTACT: Shawn Granger,M.CD, MBA
Phone: 409-282-1175
Email:sgranger@paedc.org
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Youth
Employment Program Agreement
EMPLOYMENT SITE PAEDC
Business Name: Name: Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
Physical Address: Address: 501 Procter Street, Suite 100
Mailing Address: City, State, Zip: Port Arthur, TX 77640
City, State, Zip: Phone 409-963-0579 Fax: 409-962-4445
Contact: Contact: Shawn Granger
Email: Email: sgranger@paedc.org
Business Type Check one:
Private/Non-Profit ❑ Public/Non-Profit❑ Private for Profit❑
This Agreement is entered into by and between the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation ("PAEDC")
and, hereinafter referred to as the("Employment Site"). This Agreement
is solely between Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation and the Employment Site. The Agreement must
be completed and approved prior to the placement of a participant into a Summer Employment position. The
Summer Employment Site must comply with applicable, federal, state and labor laws and regulations.
The Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation will administer this Summer Employment Program with
funds provided through the PAEDC Pre-Employment Training Program.
This Agreement is to provide work activities for students by the Summer Employment Site.
This Agreement is for the period beginning on or about June 2,2025 and ending on or about August 15, 2025,
Neither party to the Agreement may charge a student a fee for the referral or placement of the participant under the
Agreement.
The Employment Site is subject to on-site monitoring by Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
Representatives.
SUMMER EMPLOYEE OBJECTIVES
The employment is a work experience program that meets partial on-the-job training in students' field of study in
hopes that this experience will enable them to compete more successfully for future employment. EDC Staff will
make every effort to match participants with businesses in their field of study. By the end of the Summer
Employment, the student should be able to:
• Demonstrate that he or she has integrated theory with practice in his or her academic area of study.
• •Broaden his or her philosophy and understanding of their area of study.
• Gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles,duties,legal and ethical responsibilities of a full-
time professional in their area of study.
• Observe and gain experience in leadership, supervisory, or administrative functions and in human
Ors
relations.
• Complete an employment project that compliments the mission of the Port Arthur Economic
Development Corporation.
• Evaluate his or her strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies for improvement.
Business to the Employee and the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
• Assign a Supervisor for the employee
• Make contact with the Summer Employee at the beginning of employment and periodically thereafter
• Make oral and/or written contact with the employee periodically throughout employment
• Evaluate and provide feedback on written progress reports completed by the Summer Employee
• Maintain open communication with the Summer Employee pertaining to employment, especially in the
event that problems arise
Summer Employee to the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
• Inform the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation of address,phone, e-mail and name
changes.This responsibility begins at the time the Summer Employee submits application and continues
through the end of summer employment
• Complete all progress reports and the employment project according and in a timely manner
• Consult with PAEDC on issues relating to Summer Employment Training objectives,
• Conduct self in professional manner, both legally and ethically.The actions of the employee reflect on
the Program.
Summer Employee to the Businesses
• Provide appropriate forms to the Business that are required by the Program
• Comply with conditions set forth in the Summer Employment and the procedures of the Business
• Conform with regulations pertaining to interns of the business and carry out all assignments
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Evaluate each day's activities, interactions, and events
• Prepare for a weekly meeting with the Business Supervisor.Ask questions and present constructive ideas
• Plan thoroughly and in advance for all assignments
• Notify the Business Supervisor well in advance in cases of absence from employment
• Be respectful,courteous, and tactful to co-workers and clients
• Consult with the Business Supervisor when confronted with problems that cannot be solved alone
• Consider self as a member of the Business work team
Business to the Employee and to the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation
• Complete an agreement that delineates general responsibilities,dates and hours of work,and the
student's role and responsibilities in the Business
• Shall not discriminate against any employee based on race,religion,color,sex,national origin,age,
gender identity, or disability
• Provide a safe work environment free from harassment, and hostile work environment and prohibit the
use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace or during the Summer Employment
• Present to the Employee an overview of the Business's purposes, policies, administration,program,and
facilities
• Confer with the Employee prior to and during the Summer Employment to determine his/her
responsibilities
• Inform the Summer Employee of all regulations he or she must follow
• Present the Summer Employee to the Business staff as a colleague to ensure his or her status
• Orient the Summer Employee to the community including its political,religious, economic,social,
and ethnic background
• Gradually induct the Summer Employee into the employment experience, beginning with observations
and minor duties, adding more responsibilities as the summer continues
• Meet with the Summer Employee on a weekly basis for the purpose of discussing the Employee's
progress and the appropriateness of the Employee's responsibilities
• Maintain open communication with the PAEDC pertaining to employment, especially in the event of
problems
• Evaluate and provide suggestions to the Summer Employee on each Progress Report the Summer
Employee submits to PAEDC
This agreement can be terminated for any-of the following reasons:
• A 30 day written request by either the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation or the Summer
Employment Site Representative;
• Failure to comply with the terms of this agreement by either party;
• Failure to take corrective action; or
• Unsafe,hostile or unsanitary working conditions.
All oral and written agreements between the parties to this Agreement relating to the subject matter of this
Agreement that were made prior to the execution of this Agreement have been reduced to writing and are contained
in this Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended except in a writing following approval by each Party.
Neither Party shall be financially liable to the other Party for delays or failures to perform under the Agreement
where such failure is caused by force majeure(i.e.,those causes generally recognized under Texas law as
constituting impossible conditions). Such delays or failures to perform shall extend the period of performance until
these exigencies have been removed. The Party seeking to avail itself of this clause shall notify the other Party
within five(5)business days or otherwise waive the right as a defense, unless notification is impractical under the
circumstances, in which case notification shall be done in as timely a manner as possible.
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas and all obligations under this Agreement shall be
performable in Jefferson County, Texas. Venue for any dispute arising out of this Agreement will lie in the
appropriate Courts of Jefferson County, Texas.
No Party may assign any of the rights or duties created by this Agreement without the prior written approval of the
other Party.
By signing this agreement,I attest that I am an authorized official representing my respective party and will abide
by the terms of this agreement.
Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Youth Employment Site
Program Agent Authorized Signature
Signature: Signature
Typed/Printed Name: Shawn Granger Typed/Printed Name:
Title: Workforce/Community Development Manager Title:
Date: Date:
o i
PORT*ARTHUR
PORT ARTHUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (YEP) - 2025 EMPLOYMENT
APPLICATION
DATE OF APPLICATION: Social Security Number:
Name:
Last First Middle
Address:
Street (Apt) City,State,Zip
Alternate Address:
Street (Apt) City,State,Zip
Contact Information: ( ) ( )
Home Telephone Mobile
EDUCATION
Name and Location -- -....,_........_..........Major _._ .._.......__..._...........__....._Graduate/Degree... ..........
High School 1
College or University
•
............................................................................................................._....... _ _
Specialized Training, •
Trade School, etc...
Other Education
Please list your areas of highest proficiency, special skills or other items that may contribute to your abilities as
a participant in the Youth Employment Program.
PORT*ARTHUR
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE (Please list most recent first)
Dates Employed Company Name Location Role/Title
Job notes,tasks performed and reason for leaving:
Dates Employed Company Name Location Role/Title
Job notes,tasks performed and reason for leaving:
Dates Employed..._................._ r Company Name _ ._.............._.__............._-Location _-...._-...—..._...__Role/Title ._...._.........-..... _�.....__.._..................,
Job notes,tasks performed and reason for leaving:
Do you plan to attend college in the Fall? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Certification: I certify that the information on this application and its attachments is true and correct to the
best of my knowledge and that there is no intent on my part to defraud. I authorize inquiries as to the validity of
this information. The data may be distributed to employers and social services agencies for the purpose of
obtaining training and/or employment. I understand that providing false information on this application and its
attachments can result in my being declared ineligible for participation or terminated, if already enrolled, and I
may be subject to prosecution under the law. I further certify that I fully understand the foregoing.
1 � /
\�
PoRT*AIm-IuR
Applicant's Legal Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Signature of referring CTE Instructor Date
Note: Please submit a copy of a form of identification verifying Port Arthur residency.
T
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Unlock Your Potential with
o u t h Real-World Experience!
Employment
Program ,,,
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Who Can Ap • I
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• High School graduating seniors i :s' •� ``j. -4 tfr.
from the Class of 2025 or 2026 .` t t1fq
..
_, who are Port Arthur TX residents .`�
Benefits:
.
.: • Hands-on Experience
• Mentorship
we
• Skill Development
• Networking Opportunities - _
• Potential for Future Employment
How to Apply:
-� ,
1 Ask your school counselors or the
Port Arthur Public Library for an
application. %..*` _
2.Email your application AND proof •
of residency to:
Shawn Granger ;-_ �`
s
sgranger@paedc.org - : + '
Subject: YEP Application (Last Name) }
Or mail it to: .=-�� � =�r
Port Arthur EDC
Attn: Youth Employment Program Application Deadline:
501 Procter Street, Suite 100 - ,+ 02 May, 2025
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
7