South Florida's high unemployment rates have had many casualties. Most devastating however for the region's future is the rate of unemployment among young adults, as new workers struggle to find a professional foothold after graduation.

One new program however hopes to open up more employment opportunities for Miami-Dade's youth this summer. Miami-Dade County has partnered up with the South Florida Workforce Investment Board to launch the 2012 Career Pathway Compact Summer Employment Program.

"Enhancing the work-readiness skills of our young adults through special programs like the one created by South Florida Workforce is critical to the continued economic growth of our community," said Mayor Carlos Gimenez in his statement launching the new program.

"Connecting our students to our partners in the private and non-profit sectors is key to growing jobs and to keeping our most talented students from leaving our community for career opportunities elsewhere."

This eight to 10 week program will provide entry-level summer employment for young adults, providing essential working experience ranging from governmental agencies to private, for-profit businesses and community based organizations. Participants will earn a set $10 an hour for 140 hours, including 20 hours of work readiness skills training.

To qualify for this summer opportunity, applicants must be low income young adults ages 18 to 24 living in Miami-Dade or Monroe County and be a U.S. citizen or be eligible to work in the U.S.
To register, applicants must visit the South Florida Workforce office, located at 633 NE 167 Street, or call 305-594-7615. Applicants can also apply via the web at this link.

Miami-Dade businesses are also being encouraged to support South Florida's future workforce by registering their local business in the summer employment database. Thanks to the county's funding partnership with South Florida Workforce Investment Board, local businesses can provide work experience to young adults at no cost to the employer. Business can also easily register online at this link.