Bay Area youth are fighting for peace and jobs, without city help

Although I started out making minimum wage, my pay rate increased every year, as did my responsibilities and my rank in the program. The jobs also came with perks: SF Park and Rec. took us to Magic Mountain, Marine World, Waterworld, Raging Waters, Great America and Knotts Berry Farm – for only $7. My summer was full of free Muni rides and discounted movie tickets, free lunch and field trips – not to mention the teen parties at the recreation centers, which, to me, were the perfect time to break out my new Saucony tennis shoes and Tommy Hilfiger fits. I couldn’t have asked for more.

With my paychecks, I bought my own school clothes and paid for my own supplies, which my mother was very grateful for. Because I worked every day, I didn’t have time fall prey to the temptations that many youngsters face in the summer – drugs, alcohol, violence and sex. I was lucky – and too busy making money and enjoying the weather to get caught up.

Now, 10 years later, kids in poor communities like Hunters Point are rarely given an opportunity like the Workreation program. According to the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department website, “admittance into the program is highly competitive and based on his/ her application, interview results and background clearance,” meaning those kids who have juvenile records or even poor academic performance can be, and often are, disapproved for participation.

Here in San Francisco, one of the richest cities in the entire world, you would think that there would be ample opportunity for youth and young adults to become gainfully employed – at least for the summer. But that’s not the case. Although the city endorses or sponsors many “job programs,” most of them are unpaid or have age requirements that don’t fit most needy youth.

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