MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- Mayor Tom Barrett met with dozens of teens across the city as they gear up to start their first summer jobs. 

The students are part of the Earn and Learn Youth Employment Initiative. Its mission is to help youth transition from adolescence to adulthood by developing work-readiness skills. 

This summer, hundreds of area-teens in the program will earn minimum wages while working for employers in government, faith-based organizations and private sector businesses. 

“I want them to be invested in this city, and I also want them to learn what it’s like to have a job where they support their families,” said Mayor Barrett

Earn and Learn Summer Youth Employment is operated by Milwaukee, Inc. and the Milwaukee Department of City Development. 

To participate in Earn and Learn, click here.