Nearly 1,000 youths got work through the WorkReady Philadelphia program last summer. This year, the goal is 2,000. The six-week internships begin June 30. The interns work 20 hours a week for about $8 an hour. The businesses pay $1,600 per intern.

Mayor Nutter has pledged that the city will hire 100 youths in a separate summer-job program. State Rep. Joshua D. Shapiro, D-Montgomery, has proposed a bill that will give businesses tax credits (up to 70 percent of their cost) if they hire youths from low-income families. And Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Phila., is redrafting his Youth Empowerment Services bill that creates summer and year-round employment for youths.

Working youths are good for the community, the city and the commonwealth. More businesses should fuel the economy by sponsoring an intern. For more information: 215-790-3732, www.workreadyphila.com or www.greater

philachamber.com. *