Labor ministry announces Ulsan youth scholarship and mentoring program

The labor ministry said Wednesday that the Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service will roll out a scholarship and one-on-one mentoring program for vulnerable young people in Ulsan, including those burdened by family caregiving or social isolation. The initiative was developed to help young people facing overlapping difficulties establish stable independence and prepare for the future.

At the Ulsan Youth Future Center, the service held a scholarship presentation ceremony and gave grants to five recipients, including young people in crisis and university students who have consistently volunteered at local study rooms for children from vulnerable groups.

The scholarships can be used for living expenses and self-development. Working with the Ulsan Youth Future Center, the service will identify young people needing help and, after a review, choose scholarship recipients.

Employees at the service will offer one-on-one mentoring, including career counselling, job-search preparation, personal concerns and cultural activities. The service said it plans continued communication and exchanges to ease social isolation and help young people form healthy relationships in their communities.

"Young people in crisis and vulnerable circumstances need not only financial support but also dependable relationships where they can share their concerns and plan their futures together," Park Jong-gil, president of the Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service, said. "We will continue practical support alongside local communities so that young people do not lose hope and can become independent and grow in a healthy way."