RELEASE: Mayor Pugh Announces Recruitment for YH20, Baltimore’s Youth Water Mentoring Program

BALTIMORE, Md. – Baltimore City is now accepting applications for the 2018 class of its Y-H20 Youth Water Mentoring Program, which introduces young City residents to careers in the water industry. The program, entering its fourth year, is poised for showcase as a national model for by other government agencies and water utilities.

Launched in 2015, the mentoring program is a collaborative effort of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), and Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA). Y-H20 participants receive real world, on-the-job-training and support from industry veterans to equip young workers with the skills needed to fill entry-level positions in the water field. The result is a pipeline of future water industry workers.

“I am proud of this successful, innovative program, and pleased to announce that recruitment for its fourth year is under way,” Mayor Catherine E. Pugh said. “The water industry is facing the retirement of seasoned workers, and a shortage of trained newcomers. Baltimore is taking the lead in preparing future generations for the continued protection of our water supply.”

A total of 41 young Baltimore City residents have completed the program.  These young people are employed in full-time jobs mostly within the water industry. 

The program is open to City residents, 18 to 24 years old, with a high school diploma or GED who are unemployed or underemployed and not currently engaged in job training or post-secondary education. Acceptance into the mentoring program is competitive and is based on applications and interviews. Applications will be accepted now through Friday, February 9.  Training will be held February 21 through August 10, 2018 with classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (six hours a week).

To request an application for the 2018 Y-H20 Youth Water Mentoring Program, please contact: Anthony L. Greene, Internship Coordinator, Youth Services Division, MOED, 101 W. 24^th Street, Baltimore, Md. 21218; 410-396-6722.

Applications are also available online at https://moed.baltimorecity.gov/youth-services/programs, and should be printed and submitted to the above address.