Enrollment opens March 3 for Summer Youth Employment Program

Pima County will begin enrollment for its longstanding and popular Summer Youth Employment Program on March 3. 

The program is open to teens and young adults from 14 to 21 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 from June 2 to June 27. The minimum pay is $15.75 an hour.  

Interested youth can apply online via the County website or find paper copies of the applications at schools and community centers. 

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31. 

“This is one of my favorite programs and it has grown over the years,” said Daphanie Conner, the County’s youth program manager for the Department of Community & Workforce Development (CWD). “Young people get real work experience and can make money. For some, this is their first work experience, and that is going to mean the world to them.” 

In 2024, more than 200 worksites, including 50-plus 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 

The Summer Youth Employment Program previously held two summer sessions, including one in July. Due to so many students beginning the school year in July, Conner said the County is consolidating opportunities into one larger session this year. 

Conner said the County is expanding its program focused on core credits needed for high school graduation. Students can earn up to a full credit toward high school graduation while earning a stipend if they successfully complete the program. CWD began the program last summer with spots for 50 students. This summer’s program can serve 180 students. 

Anyone interested in having their workplace become a jobsite for interns can fill out a worksite request form on the County website or call the Youth Center at 520-724-9649. 

The Pima County Youth One-Stop Service Center is moving to a new location – 175 W. Irvington Road – starting March 3. The Youth One-Stop provides a variety of employment services and resources for young people from 16 to 24.