APPLICATION DEADLINES APPROACH FOR GOVERNMENT YOUTH PROGRAMS

Application deadlines for three of the Government of Saskatchewan's flagship youth programs are approaching. The three programs include the Saskatchewan Youth Project Awards, Student Employment Experience and Green Team.

"These three programs are designed to assist youth to be engaged in the social and economic life of our province. I encourage all eligible applicants to put forward their proposals," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "Providing career-related employment and leadership opportunities for young people benefits youth retention in the province and our economy as a whole."

The Saskatchewan Youth Project Awards is a program developed by and for young people to engage a new generation in Saskatchewan's volunteer sector. Youth aged 14 to 29 are eligible to submit funding applications for youth-led community projects. Awards will range in value from $500 to $5,000 to support both small and larger-scale projects. Applications, which are due March 31st, are available at www.saskyouth.net.

The Student Employment Experience (SEE) initiative provides subsidies to voluntary and public sector employers to create career-quality jobs for students. At least 700 positions will be delivered through SEE this year. Applications must be submitted by March 31st to be eligible for funding in the 2006-07 year.

Environmental sector employers, including private, public and voluntary organizations, are eligible for funding to create career-related employment opportunities for students through the Green Team Program. Last year, the program created 107 quality employment opportunities for students in the environmental sector. Deadline for application is April 1st, 2006.

Information on the Student Employment Experience and Green Team programs, including application packages, is available on the Culture, Youth and Recreation's website at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967