City and county staff presented a planning update for the summer youth employment program, reporting an increase in planned participant placements and program length.

Staff said the program’s target has been raised to serve 400 youth this summer; the program will run one session of seven weeks rather than two shorter sessions, and participants will be paid $13 per hour. A presentation slide noted the earlier goal had been to place 300 youth and train 500; staff said the new target was set in response to requests from trustees and community partners.

A staff member described coordination with Austin ISD, Workforce Solutions and the City of Austin to improve mentorship and interview preparation and to focus placements so that a smaller cohort receives more intensive, higher‑quality supports. The staff presentation said organizers are exploring whether different administrative models, including expanded partnership roles, would increase capacity or improve outcomes.

The program will continue to prioritize quality, and staff said more partners are providing slots than just the three convening agencies. Staff did not announce final slot allocations by agency at the meeting; presenters said AISD performed strongly in prior years and that city and county staff will return with more detail on placements and partner roles.