850 Youth Gain Valuable Job Experience over Summer Break to get edge on workforce

TORONTO, June 28, 2013 /CNW/ - This Saturday, 850 youth will be spreading their wings and traveling to a new city or town in Canada to practice their French/English, gain valuable work experience and develop new friendships.

With the youth unemployment rate at 14%, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is working to help young people succeed and reach their full potential. Through the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange Program (SWSE) youth aged 16 and 17 will spend six weeks working in their second official language in another part of Canada, plus, they'll learn applicable skills and develop an appreciation for Canada, both geographically and culturally.

VISUAL:	More than 650 youth buzzing with emotion at Union Station in Toronto
WHEN:	Saturday, June 29, 2013 beginning 10:00 am
WHERE:	Union Station, Main Hall
WHO:	650+ youth

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto and SWSE program
As a charity, the YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including education and training, employment and immigrant services, family and youth services, health and fitness programs, child care and camps. Serving the population of the GTA, Durham, Peel, York, Halton Regions and Dufferin County, in 2012, the YMCA connected with more than 489,000 people across 334 locations.   www.ymcagta.org

SWSE is funded by the Department Canadian Heritage through Exchanges Canada, in partnership with VIA Rail. www.summer-work.com

SOURCE: YMCA of Greater Toronto

For media interview:

Ken Zolotar
Summer Work Student Exchange, National Program Manager
[phone]
[email protected]