Eastern U.P. Michigan Works! has received more than $1.3 million in federal funding to bolster job training and youth employment programs in the area. The agency, which covers Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties, will use the money for employment training for unemployed, underemployed, and dislocated workers, as well as for the Summer Youth Work Experience program.

Several organizations have signed up for the summer youth program and are seeking workers, including the City of St. Ignace, the St. Ignace Marina, Mackinac Straits Hospital, and Little Bear East Arena. In the Eastern U.P., 21 work sites are registered and more are welcome to sign up.

At this time, there aren't enough youth participants signed up for the program to fill the current positions.

"At this point in time, we're short," said Jim Clapperton, the Mackinac County coordinator for Michigan Works! "We'd like to strongly encourage people to sign up."

Mr. Clapperton said this is the largest single amount of additional funding his office has ever received.

"We're thrilled that our programs will be so well funded," Mr. Clapperton said Wednesday, May 6. "It's a very aggressive approach."

The youth program, which begins June 8, targets economically disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16 and 24, then places them in summer positions with participating public and nonprofit employers throughout the Eastern U.P.

Mr. Clapperton said his office is looking to line up about 200 people for the program, which, he said, would help them gain valuable work experience for later in life.

"Kids often have a hard time finding a part-time job," he said. "We try to fit people to a work program near their home."

Many environmental and civic projects could be accomplished in area communities through the youth programs, according to Sharon Houghton, the youth program coordinator for Eastern U.P. Michigan Works!

"This is a win-win situation for young people who need a summer job and for the agencies who benefit from their work over the summer," she said.

The adult and dislocated worker programs offer skill upgrading, onthe job training, job placement assistance, and educational training.

Unemployed workers, workers who have been laid off, or anyone making less than $40,000 a year may be eligible for these programs.

Education assistance is capped at $5,000 a year for two years at a total of $10,000 per person, which covers tuition or instructional costs and academic supportive services. To be eligible, participants must pursue a degree or certificate in a high demand field, an emerging industry, or through an entrepreneurship program.

There has been a tremendous influx of people interested in programs at the St. Ignace office, Mr. Clapperton said, and statewide, the No Worker Left Behind program has received a 46% increase in inquiries.

Of particular interest to local people recently, he said, were truck driving and medical professions, for which the organization can provide funding for those who qualify.

"The governor was pretty sharp about the careers she picked [to qualify for assistance], because they lead to good jobs," Mr. Clapperton said.

To sign up or inquire about any of these programs, visit the office at 6 Spring Street in St. Ignace or call 643-8158 to set up an appointment.

The $1.3 million funding boost came as part of the federal government's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.