After a year in which more than 100 youths were employed as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program, the city does not plan to rest on its laurels.

The program, which is coordinated by the Lynn Office of Economic and Community Development and the Lynn Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC), is looking to attract more private businesses to participate.

There were 19 businesses in the program last year, after five took part in 2004.

One of the companies tat participated last year will definitely be back.

“It was a terrific experience,” said Jo-Mary Kooperman of All Care Visiting Nurse Association, which employed three youths last year. “They were very motivated, professional students. It’s a good program – for the company and the youth.”

Under the program, a private business, public agency or municipal department pays half the salary of the youth worker, while the other half is covered by federal and state grants administered by the Office of Economic and Community Development.

This year, the program will run eight weeks from July 5 to August 25. There will be a signup on June 6, from noon to 8 p.m. in the City Hall foyer for all youths ages 16-21 interested in working. Hourly pay is from $6.75 to $7.25, though a business may pay a higher rate if agreed upon.

Last year, about 55 youths worked in the private sector, with another 50 working for city agencies.

The North Shore Spirit had the largest group of youth workers with eight.

Director of Sales and Marketing Kevin Kelly said the youths worked in a variety of roles, including ushers, parking lot attendants and the hospitality suite.

“They worked in all facets of the park and did a great job,” Kelly said.

In addition to the private sector, youth workers were employed by various city departments including the Department of Public Works, Parking Department, the municipal Library, and the Department of Inspectional Services.

The Lynn housing Authority & Neighborhood Development employed seven youth workers under this program, in addition to the three dozen youths it hires every summer.

Any business interested in participating can contact Mary Jane Smalley of EDIC/Lynn at (781) 581-9399 or msmalley@broadviewnet.net.