WEST VALLEY CITY -- Gov. Jon Huntsman is encouraging businesses statewide to hire employees 21 years old or younger this summer as part of an effort to teach young workers responsibility and keep the state's economy strong.

Huntsman said Wednesday he wants businesses to hire 1,000 young people, particularly those who are troubled or disadvantaged, by the end of June.

"This is a call to action. We need 1,000 jobs between now and June 21 to help our youth. We challenge all businesses in every county in this state and in every industry," Huntsman said.

There are about 8,000 young people registered with the state's employment service and about 2,000 of those are disadvantaged.

The Department of Workforce Services is encouraging businesses to tell them about job openings by calling 1-888-920-WORK.

Tani Downing, the department's executive director, said she hopes corporations will be willing to mentor those who are between 14 and 21 years old. But she said all businesses, including those in the service industry, are encouraged to contact the department.

On the Net:Youth Employment http://justforyouth.utah.gov/employment.htm

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C6.