Pima County will begin enrollment for its Summer Youth Employment Program on March 1.
The program is open to youth from 14 to 21 years old who want to gain work experience, develop new skills and advance their education.
The program places youth into paid intern positions in public service offices, parks, libraries, hospitals, nonprofits, and many other workplaces. Work hours range from 20 to 30 hours a week, with the program lasting four weeks. Pay is a minimum of $15.75 an hour.
The program has two sessions: June 3 through June 28, and July 1 through July 26.
Youth who are interested in participating can visit the County website or find paper copies of the application at schools or community centers.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29.
Daphanie Conner, the County’s youth program manager for the Department of Community & Workforce Development (CWD), said the program often has a positive, lasting impact on kids who participate.
“We see them on their first day and some can be really nervous,” Conner said. “By the end of the program, we see how much they are enjoying it. They’ve made friends, learned skills, bonded with their supervisors and want to stay in the job. To see them complete the program is rewarding.”
In 2023, more than 300 worksites, including 25 Pima County departments, were developed for the Summer Youth Employment Program. Summer positions last year included:
- Landscaping assistant
- Sales support
- Auto technician
- Receptionist
- Customer service cashier
- Marketing assistant
- Kitchen staff/prep cook
- And much more
Youth who participate can also get involved in a STEM program for college credit or a basic education program to help catch up with core credits needed for high school graduation.
A total of 784 youth participated in the 2023 program, which is 100 more than in 2022.
Youth who are in school must submit a copy of their most recent report card or unofficial transcript by April 5. Youth who are not in school must schedule their Test of Adult Basic Education assessments by that date.
Conner said CWD has expanded its basic education program after running a pilot program last summer. Students can earn up to a full credit toward high school graduation while earning a stipend if they successfully complete the program.
Anyone interested in having their workplace become a jobsite can fill out a worksite request form on the County website or call the Youth Center at 520-724-9649.
