CBT student employment program opens Mar 22

Columbia Basin Trust has launched its 2010 Summer Works Program with $390,000 toward wage subsidies for student summer jobs. This is a subsidy program to enable small businesses and social enterprises (non-profits) within the Columbia Basin to create 100 summer jobs for students, whether they are in high school or full-time post-secondary education. Up to $8 per hour in wage subsidies for entry-level and career-related positions is available to employers.

The program is the result of consultations with organizations, businesses and residents who are currently engaged in addressing economic issues in the Basin. Existing programs with economic focus, previous studies of the issues and challenges of the present economic climate, and conversations with the CBT Economic Advisory Committee have all been considered in the development of the CBT’s Economic Initiatives Strategic Plan for 2010-2011.

“CBT sees this program as strengthening the economic well-being of the Basin, while addressing a current market need,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “The subsidies will assist businesses with increased staff during a time when resources are tight, as well as provide summer employment opportunities for students.”

CBT is partnering with College of the Rockies (COTR) in order to administer the program quickly, ensuring that businesses can begin moving toward summer hiring as soon as possible.

Businesses and the work must be located in the Basin to qualify and must also meet minimum criteria. Full eligibility requirements and guidelines are available at http://www.cbt.org/summerworks or call 1.877.489.2687 ext 3644.

The Economic Initiatives Strategic Plan as well as applications for funding will be available for downloading from CBT’s website on Monday, March 22, 2010 and will be assessed on a first come, first served basis.