News Release

Partnership Raises Awareness
of Workplace Issues Affecting Teenagers

National Education Association Joins Youth@Work Initiative

 

NEA President Reg Weaver and Vice Chair of EEOC  Naomi C. Earp, sign Youth@Work partnership.               Photo by Sandy Schaeffer/NEA

WASHINGTON — Raising awareness about workplace issues affecting teenagers, the National Education Association (NEA) partnered today with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Youth@Work Initiative, a nationwide program that educates America’s youth about their employment rights and responsibilities.

Through this initiative, the EEOC continues to ensure the elimination of illegal discrimination from the workplace. 

"The partnership with the Youth@Work Initiative will allow us to educate our youth about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace," NEA President Reg Weaver said.  "Raising awareness about workplace rights will help our teenagers become more mindful, responsible, productive and knowledgeable young adults."

The Youth@Work Initiative, created in September 2004, has developed partnerships to help promote an equitable workplace environment for all employees.  Additional components of the nationwide campaign include a Youth@Work Web site , which provides information for teenagers about their employment rights and responsibilities, and a series of free national outreach events designed for high school students, youth organizations, educators and small businesses that employ young workers. 

"The National Education Association’s commitment to quality education and advocacy on behalf of students renders it a vital ally in our efforts," Naomi C. Earp, EEOC vice chair said.  "EEOC is pleased and excited to partner with the National Education Association to help ensure that every teenager’s work experience is a positive one."
 
 
Nov. 17, 2005

CONTACT:
Jasmine Lyons   (202) 822-7228, jlyons@nea.org

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.