Milwaukee's Earn and Learn program expanding

 \"Our Stories with Michele\" is a regular feature of the CBS 58 News at 4 p.m. The segment highlights efforts to create opportunity in the place we call home. 

On Monday, we featured the expansion of Milwaukee's \"Earn and Learn\" program.

Over the past decade, the program has helped find summer jobs for 22,000 young people.

\"I think that builds character,\" Mayor Tom Barrett said. \"It shows teenagers the correlation between school and work and there's too many kids that don't get that.\"

Mayor Barrett congratulated Alderman Russell Stamper in pushing an effort to find money to expand the program.

With support from the Common Council, some $375,000 in savings from the fuel account will now go towards the creation of 200 new jobs for teenagers.

\"We as a council and the Mayor and the community are working together,\" declared Alderman Stamper.

The opportunity to develop a work ethic and make a little money along the way I think it's a great way to help them stay out of harm's way

The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board is now networking with additional agencies to get even more teens working. The jobs will be with community based organizations like the Running Rebels which hosted the announcement and also involves faith based organizations to provide mentors and supervision.

\"The opportunity to develop a work ethic and make a little money along the way I think it's a great way to help them stay out of harm's way,\" said Bishop C.H. McClelland is the Pastor of Holy Cathedral Church of God In Christ.

The jobs pay $7.50 an hour and last about six weeks. You did need a social security card.

To learn more about Earn and Learn click here