Department of Human Resources Director Eseneiaso J. Liu has urged all cabinet members to submit to her office — as early as possible — the list of all worksites for students who will participate in the government’s annual Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

According to Liu, some 800 students are expected to be employed during the summer program but they have been unable to set up worksites for the students, because DHR is still waiting for cabinet members to submit their lists. She added that the start of the summer program has been delayed because of the lack of a sufficient worksite list and information.

Gov. Lolo announced that the summer program will have its official opening on June 26 and requested that DHR and the Commerce Department ensure that there is sufficient funding for this important program, which will provide students with knowledge of a working environment, to prepare them for the future.

Lolo reminded directors that students employed are not to run office errands or make coffee but are at the worksites to learn what it’s like to be in the workforce.

He said having students become familiar working in areas like the LBJ Medical Center is of great importance, but these are areas that students don’t want to be involved.

Lolo asked directors to encourage students to be interested in hard-to-fill professional jobs, and to prepare them for such.

What’s important is that students have hands-on experience in a working environment, Lolo said.

DHR is also working with the private sector to employ part of the student workforce for the summer, paid for by ASG.

It's not immediately clear how many businesses from the private sector will participate this year, but like the past couple of years, Samoa News is looking forward to getting at least three to four students, to work and learn about print media in American Samoa.

One of the summer student employees from a couple of years ago stayed on, and has been working in the advertising department at Samoa News since.

According to the fiscal year 2017 budget, a total of $250,000 is allocated for the Summer Youth Employment Program, under the Special Programs budget category which is administered by the Governor’s Office.

The summer program was initially scheduled to begin next week Monday, but has been pushed back for one week to June 26 due to the delay in getting a list of worksites for students from ASG entities.

During the official opening ceremony for last year's summer program, more than 1,200 students registered — the highest number ever — and an estimated 800 were placed at different worksites in Tutuila and the Manu’a Islands.