City Council called to re-evaluate Austin and Travis County summer youth internship and jobs programs as officials seek to strengthen those offerings and their workforce development potential.

The details: Austin's Summer Internship Program and Travis County's Summer Youth Employment Program have been viewed as positive offerings for employment assistance and summer crime prevention. However, Austin's Economic Prosperity Commission recently highlighted the "underutilized workforce development tool" after finding most students applying to city and county programs didn't secure jobs, and that other structural issues may be creating barriers for those seeking to participate.

Austin council members on March 12 asked for a formal review of both the city and county initiatives, and for recommendations to strengthen the programming and potential employment opportunities. Council member Vanessa Fuentes, the measure's sponsor, said the action recognizes the important of investing in area youth and stems from discussions between Austin, Travis County and Austin ISD.

Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with these events.

Jack & Ginger's St. Patrick’s Day celebration
On St. Patrick’s Day, the bar will host a festival with green beer, music, carnival games, face painting and drink and food vendors. 

• March 17, starting at 8 a.m.
• $20 (cover on March 17 starting at 2 p.m.)
• 11500B Rock Rose Ave., Austin

• March 17, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
• $20.84 (tickets)
• Locations vary

• March 16, starting at noon; March 17, starting at noon
• Free (attendance)
• 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 160, Leander

What started as a one-day bluegrass event in Round Rock has grown, rebranded and relocated several times over the years. Despite these shifts, the mission of the Old Settler’s Music Festival has remained the same: to bring a legacy of American roots music to a new age of listeners.

From April 17-19, Central Texans will gather to celebrate Americana music traditions, enjoy performances and eat local food.

The big picture: Old Settler’s is a nonprofit organization. As part of the foundation’s mission, the festival hosts a youth talent competition every year. Participants receive mentorship from music-industry professionals and the opportunity to build their confidence on stage.

“We're very proud of this program,” Old Settler’s Music Festival President Betsy Boone said. “It's a great way to help our youth and to support their career in the music industry.”

Looking ahead: Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the festival. Boone said attendees should stay tuned for the plans for the 2027 celebration.

• 18301 RM 1826, Driftwood

Check out some of the top trending stories in the Austin area from March 9-12. 

1. Pipeline failure hits Pflugerville amid $845M in water projects

2. Dirt moving for 57-acre commercial, residential project near Georgetown-Round Rock border

3. Come on in: Check out the newest spots to open in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle

4. Bee Cave advances shifts to The Village at Spanish Oaks

5. Third Taco Bell location proposed for Leander

6. UT moves to rezone hundreds of acres in Northwest Austin for future medical center