Applications Open for 2025 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program: Higher Wages & Career Pathways for Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Youth

Since its inception in 2014, the Learn & Earn program has served over 13,500 young people, investing more than $14.3 million in wages. This initiative has provided invaluable work experience, helping participants build careers in fields such as healthcare, business, public service, and trades. 

The Learn & Earn Program has provided many participants with their first work experience, guiding countless young adults toward higher education and careers in fields such as healthcare, business, public service, trades and more.   

This summer, 1,000 spots are available for youth participants across Allegheny County offering an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience and build essential career skills.  

"The Learn & Earn Program is a game-changer for teens, offering an invaluable opportunity to gain their first work experience and develop essential career skills. It’s not just about earning a paycheck—it’s about building confidence, exploring career paths, and laying the foundation for success in a wide range of industries. With 1,000 spots available this summer across Allegheny County, this program offers teens the chance to gain career exposure and place them on a pathway to prosperity,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.  

"If we want to strengthen our economy, we need to invest in the talent already here," said County Executive Sara Innamorato. "By connecting young people with diverse mentors early on, we help them build professional roots and see how internships can lead to lasting, sustaining careers right here in our region. That’s why Allegheny County has continued to invest in youth workforce development in the 2025 budget—because when we open doors for young people, we’re not just shaping individual futures, we’re strengthening communities and the regional economy for years to come."  

New and Improved Program Model  

As part of Mayor Gainey’s commitment to continuously improving opportunities for the city's young residents, and in response to feedback from participants, business owners, and stakeholders, several key changes have been made to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and overall participant experience. Key enhancements to the 2025 Learn & Earn program include a structured priority placement system, a centralized payroll process for timely compensation, expanded work experience tiers for different age groups and career readiness levels, and a renewed focus on areas that will ensure the program's long-term success. 

These changes are designed to create greater opportunities for youth employment, streamline program administration, and strengthen partnerships within the community. Participants in the 2025 Learn & Earn program will benefit from a newly designed model that supports them at every stage of their career journey. 

• “Discovery”, ages 14-15, focuses on career exploration, job shadowing, and work readiness training to help younger participants build a strong foundation  

• “Experience”, ages 16-18, provides real-world work experience and college preparation activities to help youth develop valuable skills.   

• “Advancement”, ages 18-24, connects young adults to apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and industry-led training programs, giving them a direct path to high-demand careers.   

This updated structure ensures that every participant has the right opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Through collaboration with Partner4Work, Mayor Gainey’s administration has designed a two-tiered priority placement system to prioritize young adults from high-need neighborhoods, single-parent households, and families impacted by poverty. This includes young people currently on electronic monitoring or involved with the justice system, as well as those from households with a parent, guardian, or sibling who has been formerly incarcerated. 

“Lack of access to opportunity is often the biggest barrier to success. Young people want to work, and they learn to work by working. By meeting young people where they are, whether they’re exploring careers, gaining hands-on experience, or training for in-demand jobs—Learn & Earn helps level the playing field and create real economic mobility for our region’s youth,” said Rob Cherry.   

Increased Wages   

Learn & Earn is increasing wages to provide even greater support for participants. This year, the starting wage has been raised to $10 per hour, up from $9 last year. 'Experience' participants will earn $12 per hour, and 'Advancement' participants will earn $15 per hour. In addition to the pay increase, Mayor Gainey responded to feedback from participants about receiving timely payments. As a result, Partner4Work will implement centralized payroll services, ensuring all youth are paid via direct deposit. 

This year, the Learn & Earn program is also offering every participant the opportunity to open a Non-Custodial Bank Account. As part of the program, young individuals receive mandatory financial literacy training and gain access to bank accounts, empowering them to manage their earnings effectively. This opportunity is made possible through our office's strategic banking partnerships and our commitment to prioritizing financial literacy. 

The application period closes on June 6. Interested youth can find eligibility requirements and the application online at or at one of the in-person application support center locations throughout Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh: www.jobs4summer.org. 

Businesses Encouraged to Get Involved  

Last year, 250 businesses participated in Learn & Earn, providing valuable summer work experience for young people across the region.   

“Café Momentum nurtures the Pittsburgh community through our food, and our young community members through our career-readiness program,” said Cheyenne Tyler, Executive Director of Cafe Momentum. “We’re thankful to Learn & Earn, Partner4Work, the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County for continuing to expose our young people with the opportunity to develop a balanced skill set that will allow them to realize their dreams, pursue their career interests and ultimately reach their fullest potential.”  

Businesses interested in hosting a Learn & Earn participant this summer can contact Markese Long, Director of Career Pathways at mlong@partner4work.org to get involved.