When Rhode Island discovered it would be receiving $4.7 million in youth program funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Cranston acted quickly to make good use of their slice of the pie.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Comprehensive Community Action Program, the Cranston Charter School and the Cranston Career and Technical Center were all represented Monday morning at the YouthWorks411 Summer Showcase. The event featured displays from youth programs statewide and invited state officials to mingle with young people ages 14 to 24 who had taken part in job readiness and work programs over the past several months.

“There were cities and states around the country that didn’t move quickly enough to make use of this money,” said Providence Mayor David Cicilline, applauding his city and neighboring Cranston for seizing the opportunity.

According to Sandra Powell, the director of the Department of Labor and Training that partners with the youth organizations and businesses across the state, participation in summer programs has skyrocketed. In 2008 there were 4,000 Rhode Islanders taking part. That number jumped to more than 10,000 this summer.

“It’s based on a statewide youth vision. It’s about putting young people to work in Rhode Island,” she said.

Powell felt a special connection to the program, having participated in one herself as a young girl.

“When I was 14 I started working my first job in a summer youth program,” she said, recalling her days in the Providence Public Libraries. “It gave me insight into what the world of work is like.”

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung agreed and stressed the importance of job readiness – especially in a tough economy. He said he was fortunate growing up to have parents in the restaurant business where he could get a firsthand look at achieving success.

“It’s all a part of where we are today,” he told the audience, adding, “Keep up the great work. We’re all proud of you.”

Many of the young people participating come from low-income families and are identified by educators or social service professionals as at-risk. When he spoke of his employment at Rhode Island Hospital, student Hector Ranero said it empowered him to overcome the hardship he faces – living below the poverty level in a single-parent household after losing a sibling at a young age.

“I feel like I’m ready to change the mindset of at least one other person,” he said.

Cicilline said the testimonials demonstrated just why Rhode Island and the nation must continue to support programs like YouthWorks411.

“We have to increase the investment because it’s good for our economy, it’s good for our young people and it’s good for our community,” he said.

Many of the individual programs specifically addressed community service. Joe Tevyaw, who runs the Cranston Skills Center through CCAP, had his 32 participants do at least four hours of service each week. Of the 32, 12 came from Cranston’s summer school program, and all were placed either in the schools, City Hall or in Senior Services. The group was evaluated weekly and was able to work in different capacities, from landscaping and moving furniture to clerical work.

“They give them the responsibility to complete a task on their own,” Tevyaw said. “The kids were so happy. I think it’s really great experience for all of them.”

Mercedes Douglas was a program participant who worked at the Cranston Senior Center. She said she loved the experience and would like to continue being involved in some capacity.

“I got to interact a lot with the seniors. They’re always telling me stories,” she said with a laugh. “They teach me how to be spontaneous as I get older.”

Scott Southgate from Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston said the programs in Cranston and beyond ensures that young people not only explore possible careers but also are ready to take on whatever life throws at them.

“There’s a little bit of living skills going on. It’s really going beyond work readiness,” he said.

Touching upon the young people who struggle against social barriers like poverty, Southgate said that the entire group seemed to draw inspiration from YouthWorks411 and he was pleased with how the city performed this year.

“There are a lot of high-minded people. It’s from basic construction to I want to be a veterinarian or I want to be a doctor,” he said. “People are reevaluating themselves, and that’s the success of the program right there.”