Summer Jobs Program Kicks Off Today

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty kicks off the 2009 summer jobs program this morning at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where he'll appear along with Joseph P. Walsh, the new director of the Department of Employment Services.

Fenty and Walsh hope to encourage potential participants to register for the program starting today.

As Nikita Stewart wrote recently, the program is trying to bounce back from its problems last year, which included a $34 million cost overrun and massive organizational troubles. Among the changes this year, officials said, is that participants will be asked to register online. Registration is available at the convention center at 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW Hall B. Participants are asked to enter at 8th and M streets NW.