The United States Conference of Mayors recognized Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and Evanston for their exceptional summer youth employment programs at its 83rd winter meeting Thursday in Washington, D.C.

Evanston placed first in the small cities category of the 2014 National Summer Youth Jobs Challenge.

Mayor Tisdahl worked with businesses and organizations to engineer a 225 percent increase in private sector employment for young people.

The Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program received funding from various local and state agencies, including $200,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Youth Recreation Corps. The program was able to provide 500 jobs for local youth for the summer of 2014.

“(The) program enables young people to gain valuable skills, training and workplace values that lead them towards career pathways that benefit Evanston,” Tisdahl said in a news release. “I am very grateful for local businesses and non-profits who have participated in this program, showing their commitment as community leaders.”

The Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program Job Fair will take place March 28 at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave.

Last year 610 students attended the fair. Job opportunities included legislative interns, library assistants, camp counselors, childcare assistants and administrative personnel.

“Cities are making enormous strides in partnering with their business and nonprofit communities to create comprehensive summer youth employment opportunities for youth,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of the USCM in a news release. “I applaud these mayors for their leadership, and for their strong dedication to summer youth jobs.”

Madison, Wisconsin, and Houston won the awards for medium and large-sized cities, respectively.

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