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Pima County opened registration for its Summer Youth Employment Program on March 1st.

Students will participate in SYEP in Las Artes, where they will build, design, and paint small community libraries for neighborhoods across Tucson.

The program is aimed at young people aged 14 to 21 who want to gain work experience, develop new skills and further their education.

The program places young people into paid internship positions in public service offices, parks, libraries, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and many other workplaces. Working hours are 20-30 hours per week and the program lasts 4 weeks. Pay is a minimum of $15.75 per hour.

The program will consist of two sessions, June 3rd to June 28th and July 1st to July 26th.

Youth interested in participating should county website Alternatively, find a paper copy of the application at your school or community center.

The application deadline is Friday, March 29th at 5pm.

Daffani Conner, youth program manager for the county's Community and Workforce Development Department (CWD), said the program often has a positive and lasting impact on the children who participate.

“We meet them on the first day, and some of them may be very nervous,” Connor said. “By the end of the program, you'll see how much they're having fun. They'll make friends, learn skills, bond with their bosses, and want to keep working. It is rewarding to see them complete the program.”

In 2023, more than 300 workplaces in Pima County, including 25 departments, were developed for the summer youth employment program. Last summer positions included:

• landscaping assistant
• sales support
• auto mechanic
• reception
• customer service cashier
• marketing assistant
• Kitchen staff/cook
• etc

Participating youth can also participate in STEM programs to earn college credits and basic education programs to earn the foundational credits needed to graduate from high school.

A total of 784 youth participated in the program in 2023, an increase of 100 from 2022.

Youth attending school must submit a copy of their most recent report card or unofficial transcript by April 5th. Youth who are not attending school must schedule an Adult Basic Education Test assessment by that date.

Connor said CWD expanded its basic education program after implementing a pilot program last summer. Students can earn maximum credits toward high school graduation and also earn a scholarship upon successful completion of the program.

Anyone interested in turning their workplace into a workshop, On-site request form Check the county website or call the Youth Center at 520-724-9649.

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