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Merced Jobs presenters tell council the program placed 450 youths in paid work experiences and helped 75 secure jobs
Summary
Worknet and a former participant told the Merced City Council the youth jobs program enrolled 500 participants, placed about 450 in paid work experiences and recorded roughly $1.4 million in wages; staff said they track participant outcomes and connect graduates to follow‑up services.
Merced — Worknet staff and a former participant presented the Merced Jobs impact report to the City Council on Dec. 1, describing a multi‑year program that city and county partners designed to connect local youth with paid work experience and job training.
Valente, a Worknet staffer, told council the program began with a $1.025 million initial award in 2022, received a $1.175 million extension after a successful first cohort and ultimately served about 500 youth through the final September 2025 cohort. "The goal of this program is to provide city of Merced youth with a structured work‑readiness program and employment activities," Valente said, listing training, work‑site placements and supportive services such as transportation and clothing assistance.
Former participant Leonardo Gaona Vasquez described his experience at a local worksite and the program's training. "I really enjoyed it. It was my first job — it taught me how to work," he said, adding that the work‑readiness classes at Merced College helped him prepare for employment.
Worknet reported roughly 450 youth were placed at paid worksites and that 75 participants secured employment after completing the program. Presenters said participants earned college credit for parts of the program; program records presented to council listed an aggregate of roughly $1.4 million in wages and tens of thousands of hours of paid experience across cohorts.
Council Member Harris asked whether staff track long‑term outcomes for both those who secured employment and those who did not. Valente said program staff keep contact with participants and coordinate referrals to the city’s Empower program and other supports to maintain employment and address barriers.
The presentation also highlighted targeted supports: 31 undocumented students participated in an ELF fellowship that provided stipends on completion, and the program prioritized placements with local businesses and nonprofits. Staff said 55 businesses partnered as worksites across the program’s run.
A more detailed report will be delivered to council in January, staff said. For now, presenters recommended continued partnerships between Worknet, Merced College and local employers to expand placements and follow‑up tracking for employment retention.
