Baltimore teens and young adults can now apply to be part of the city’s YouthWorks program this summer.
The summer youth workforce initiative is open to Baltimore youth, ages 14-21.
YouthWorkers will have the opportunity to earn over $1,500 this summer in the 5-week program helps gain workplace experiences, teaches financial literacy, and increases skills training. The program is run by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development.
Applicants must be 14 by July 7, 2023 to be eligible for participation.
The application process will close April 7 and YouthWorks will begin notifying participants of job placement in June.
Completing the application process does not guarantee a job. But the program, which has been ongoing for more than 40 years, has placed more than 73,000 youth in summer jobs since 2013.
There will be both virtual and in-person job opportunities.
The program, which runs from July 10 to Aug. 11, permits up to 5 hours of work per day and 5 days per week totaling 25 hours.
YouthWorks participants will have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, make their own money, build their résumé, make professional connections, and gain real life work experience.
In 2022, there was a large number of delays with in-person interviews, but officials said there will be no in-person requirements this year. All information and verification documentation will be submitted online with the application.
Youthworks recently introduced three additional programs that focus on leadership and offer employment opportunities beyond the summer months.
The Youth Advisory Council is a leadership development program that employs 10 youth and focuses on developing leaders by actively listening to youth voices, perspectives and ideas.
“YAC members engage in activities that have influence on the design, creation, and implementation of Youthworks programming,” said Youthworks Program Director S. Rasheem.
Youthworks Academy is an instructional program that prepares youth for a summer job with a private sector employer. This course was designed to address the needs of employers, who want to hire young adults, who already possess basic workplace skills.
The most recent program is the Core Council, a leadership development opportunity for youth who are interested in government or public service.
“The goal is to work with the local city council to support the development of our future young leaders of Baltimore by asking each of them to hire a Youthworker,” Rasheem said.
Youth 16 or older who are interested in government or public service should complete a Youthworks application and select that as their main interest.
Baltimore businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations that wish to hire youth can interview and select from a pool of participants that have been screened for skills and interests, and trained for job readiness.
For more information or to apply visit the YouthWorks website here.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information from YouthWorks about job placement statistics and program details.
