MARTY TURNS UP THE HEAT

BP MARKOWITZ CONGRATULATES BROOKLYN'S "WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW" AT SUMMER H.E.A.T. CELEBRATION

More than 115 teens and 20 employers contributed to initiative's success this summer

On Thursday, August 25, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham celebrated the completion of a job well done as the Borough President's Office welcomed Summer H.E.A.T. (Help Employ Ambitious Teens) participants and employers to Borough Hall. This was the tenth year of Summer H.E.A.T., the Borough President's summer youth-employment program that encourages Brooklyn businesses to invest in young people through employment. During these challenging economic times, it is even more important for teens to be given the opportunity to work and gain valuable experience.

"The generosity of our supporters has helped to prepare our future workforce," said BP Markowitz. "These jobs keep our children off the streets and out of trouble, give them a sense of pride and accomplishment, and teach them the value of hard work and the importance of proper attire and punctuality. And it puts hard-earned dollars in their pockets when dollars and jobs are hard to come by."

BP Markowitz was joined by more then 20 participating employers and many of the more than 115 high school students who participated in the Summer H.E.A.T. program this year, including Jacob Azrilyant, who was honored as the Most Ambitious Youth.

Teen songstress and young entrepreneur Stephanie Courtney was also be on hand to debut her new song dealing with bullying.

Photo by Kathryn Kirk