TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Thursday announced plans to grow the County’s Summer Youth Employment Program by at least 50 percent, providing job opportunities to a minimum of 300 young people this summer.

“We are committed to providing more of our young people with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience,” Olszewski said. “We know from research that students who have summer jobs are more likely to do well in school, less likely to be arrested for violent crimes, and have an easier time finding a job as an adult.”

The Summer Youth Employment Program provides a six-week summer employment program for Baltimore County youth, ages 14-21, to provide real-world work experience. The program allows youth to work for 25 hours per week for six weeks. Participants receive employability training and paid work experience at private and public sector worksites. In 2019, 194 youth and 64 employers participated in the program. Baltimore County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development plans to expand the program to at least 300 youth and 100 employers this year.

This year, the County will be seeking additional financial support from private-sector employers.

Olszewski’s transition team recommended expanding “existing summer employment opportunities for the County high school students.” The desired outcome of the program is to give more youth positive experiences that provide additional income, early work experience and essential ‘soft’ skills, such as self-efficacy, problem solving, emotional intelligence, collaboration and communication.

Youth who qualify must:

1. Complete an application and submit employment documents (work permits, I-9 and tax forms).
2. Attend job readiness trainings. This will teach interview techniques, work ethic and job retention strategies.
3. Interview with your future employer.
4. Meet employer expectations and fulfill workplace duties.

The program will run from July 6 through August 14, 2020. Participants will earn $11 per hour for at least five hours per day, for six weeks. They will be matched with employers based on interest, employer need and location. In addition, participating youth will receive support from program monitors, caseworkers and facilitators.

More information and applications for youth participants and employers are now online at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/SYEP.