Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti launched a nearly $6 million youth employment program expected to match tens of thousands of young people with summer and year-round jobs.

The HIRE LA’s Youth program began July 9 to provide job opportunities youths between the ages of 14 and 24. They have until July 31 to apply for jobs in industries that range from entertainment to financial services.

“An open door to a job is life-changing for any young person, especially those who’ve faced economic and social challenges,” Garcetti said in a statement. “HIRE LA’s Youth offers local teens and young adults the chance to earn a paycheck and meet industry leaders, which is an investment in both their lives and our city’s future.”

The Hire LA’s Youth program, begun in 2015, was made possible by $5.8 million in funds from the city’s general fund and by Measure H, a quarter-cent sales tax increase approved by county voters in 2017 to combat homelessness.

The city program found jobs for 17,000 young people last year, and is on track to hire 20,000 in 2020.

Other jobs programs have also kicked in to help young Angelenos, including an Evolve Entertainment Fund to help women, minorities and needy residents find jobs in the film, television and music industries, and an L.A. Tech Talent Pipeline to recruit a new generation of tech talent. For information, go to hirelayouth.com. Interested businesses can call 213-744-7333.

Health business reporter Dana Bartholomew can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @_DanaBart.