State Senator Malcolm A. Smith Kicks Off Seventh Annual Summer Employment Program

(St. Albans, NY)- New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) will once again launch the annual youth employment initiative, the Youth Business Network, formerly known as Biz Kidz. The innovative six-week employment program places fifteen local students at various businesses located throughout Queens.
 
“I realized that there was a great need for programs that not only give our young people working experience but also give them an opportunity to learn and exhibit skills that would allow them to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Senator Smith.  “We as a community need to encourage our children to become the professionals of the future.”
 
The program employs students between the ages of 14 and 19. The students will gain  memorable experiences and learn invaluable skills in their pursuit of excellence.
This year’s program is being funded by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. who has been a major supporter of the Youth Business Network program.
 
Ed Fitzmaurice, VP and General Manager at Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. said: ‘‘Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. is proud to support the Youth Business Network and we applaud the efforts of Senator Malcolm A. Smith in encouraging our future business leaders. The program will offer an invaluable opportunity to our local youth by providing real-life skills and experiences.
 
This year’s Youth Business Network employee program participants include: Office of the Queens District Attorney, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Arverne By the Sea, Community  Board 13, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Greater Allen Development Corporation, Queens Library Foundation, Silvercrest Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Black Spectrum Theatre and the Darman Group.
 
Senator Smith stated that there is an African proverb that says ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. “I want to applaud the businesses here in Southeast Queens and Far Rockaway for being that village and taking the initiative to ensure that the young people in this community are equipped with the tools to become successful and productive adults.”