Youthworks applications are open from now until April 4, 2025, for Baltimore City youth ages 14 — 21 (by July 4, 2025) hoping to participating in the program. Those in the program may work up to five hours per day, five days per week, for five weeks, totaling 25 hours. If they are working in the private sector, they may work more hours.
YouthWorkers are introduced to workplace experiences and other skills that prepare them for independence as adults, like financial literacy development, how to explore career opportunities, and receiving skills training.
There is a video that guides applicants through the process on the YouthWorks website. They will not be holding in-person verification interviews this year, and the entire process must be completed online. There is also an email helpdesk and a phone number to call (410-545-1820) should applicants need guidance while they fill out the form.
YouthWorks’ mission is to match youth and employers to create meaningful paid employment opportunities that enhance youth job skills. The program, originally named “Blue Chip,” began in 1973, changing its name to YouthWorks in 1987.
The program is run by the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (OED), Youth Services Division. Youth are paid Maryland’s minimum wage ($15 per hour), though private sector employers are permitted to pay participants higer wages than that if they choose.
YouthWorks employers are either Host Employers (nonprofits, government agencies, emerging businesses) or Hire Employers (medium or large businesses who pay salaries out of pocket.)
In February 2025 YouthWorks will hold a virtual Q&A session for youth interested in applying, and applicants find out their placements in June 2025. Work begins on July 7, 2025, and runs for five weeks through Aug. 8, 2025.
Youth interested in applying can click this link for the home page to begin.
