ST. LOUIS (AP) — A new program will match 2,000 St. Louis-area youths from low-income families with summer jobs next year.
Gov. Jay Nixon announced the program Thursday while visiting a career center in St. Louis. The program aims to prepare youths to become economically independent as adults.

Funding includes almost $6 million in federal grants.
Youths will earn $8 an hour for up to 30 hours a week.

Other career resources, such as mentorship, will be available to participants.
The program will be led by former state Sen. Maida Coleman, who now heads the Missouri Office of Community Engagement.