I am a firm believer that one of the major causes of youth violence is… boredom. Yes, boredom.

 

Last week LA County Supervisor Don Knabe announced the County’s return on its investment in youth summer jobs:

 

“Six months after Los Angeles County allocated funds to create jobs for the local youth, the investment has yielded over 3,400 jobs… On June 18, 2007, the Board approved an allocation of $6.5 million to fund the Youth Jobs Program, and directed the Department of Community and Senior Services to use the money to enter into contracts with appropriate Youth Jobs providers throughout the County. To date 3,436 jobs have been filled Countywide, with 499 jobs in the Fourth District alone.”

 

This $6.5 million investment to fund 3,436 summer jobs represents an investment of $1,891.73 per youth worker this past summer. Most schools release young people for summer break in May and they return in early September. That leaves the months in between for young people to figure out what to do pass the time. With many parents (and single parents) working and many not able to afford lavish summer programs such as sports camps, many young people are left at home without any supervision or mentorship.

 

There are many social programs out there that combat youth boredom and make an impact. However, the best social program is a job. Elected officials, like Knabe, need to do more to coordinate job opportunities for young people. Hand a young person a job and make them choose between doing drugs, joining a gang, getting into trouble or making money and forging a course for their future. I would bet they choose a job more often than not.

 

For less than $2,000 per person, Supervisor Knabe made an investment in our youth. The return was 3,436 young people throughout our County, not bored, but busy making an impact on their future.

 

Supervisor Knabe said it best: “There is a tremendous need for our youth to be meaningfully engaged in positive activities in our communities, and employment is vital to that experience.”

 

Full Disclosure: I am on contract with Supervisor Don Knabe’s office.