Oakridge Neighborhood’s Oak Futures Youth Employment Program is seeking additional community support as it sees high demand from students. According to a news release, the program has received more than 170 applications from Des Moines area youth applying for summer employment opportunities. Currently, funding is available to support 40 youth placements this summer. The program has the capacity to serve up to 65 participants if additional community support can be secured. The cost to sponsor one youth for the summer program is $3,500. Over the past 30 years, Oak Futures has provided more than 1,000 youths with paid employment experiences. The program recruits, interviews and places youths ages 14-24, primarily from underrepresented and disenfranchised backgrounds, in summer internships and work-based learning opportunities aligned with their career interests to help them gain the skills, confidence and experience for long-term career success.