Jannette J. Witmyer
(410) 396-9927

Alice D. M. Cole
(410) 396-6722

Baltimore, MD -- On Tuesday, May 7, 2002, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 515 of Baltimore's brightest and most ambitious young people will participate in Baltimore's YouthWorks 2002 - Baltimore City Youth Career Fair at Ravens Stadium. Only those youths who've completed the required 12 hours of job readiness training or have mastered specific skills that identify their employability and have been certified by their schools have been invited to participate in the event. Mayor O'Malley is expected to be on hand to greet the young job applicants with a congratulatory handshake and offer words of encouragement.

With tremendous support from Baltimore's business community, this career fair serves as a true reflection of their commitment to the success of area youths. Sixty businesses have signed on as potential employers, offering positions that range from cashier to mail handler and more. Generous financial contributions will also go a long way in ensuring the event's success and include the following donations: Verizon, $35,000; DHR, $25,000; Constellation Energy, $10,000; Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, $30,000; and Peter G. Angelos, $25,000.

MOED Director Karen Sitnick says, "Summer jobs provide an excellent opportunity to introduce young people to the world of work and get them on the path to career success."

YouthWorks, a service of the Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED), Baltimore Workforce Investment Board Youth Council and multiple workforce partners, is a shining example of how business, government and community have come together to ensure the success of the City's youths.