BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD—Amid the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Thursday announced that Baltimore County will provide an innovative Summer Youth Employment Program that will offer a hybrid of virtual training and onsite opportunities.

“While we’re still in uncharted territory, we remain committed to providing our young people with opportunities to gain job experience that will be valuable throughout their lives,” Olszewski said. “Students with summer employment are more likely to achieve in the classroom and will be better prepared to succeed in the workforce. I want to thank our team for their ingenuity in providing this innovative option to ensure we can support as many young people as possible.”

Beginning July 6, Baltimore County’s Summer Youth Employment Program provides a six-week summer employment program for youth, ages 14 to 21, offering real-world work experiences. This year, students will be placed in either virtual or onsite opportunities.

Virtual participants will utilize an online platform called Baltimore County Youth Career EDGE to engage in customized work experiences focused on Baltimore County’s nine key industries. The virtual training will expose young people to high-growth occupations in the County and will better prepare students for entry into the workforce. Youth participating in the virtual work-experience will receive stipends for successful completion of modules.

Youth who participate in onsite opportunities will be placed in one of 12 Baltimore County departments, including efforts to assist with the County’s COVID-19 response to prepare and distribute food, as well as over 20 community employers. Students who participate onsite, either with the County or with a private employer, will be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training as appropriate. Youth with on-site placements will work up to 25 hours per week, earning $11 per hour.

Supporting Baltimore County’s Summer Youth Employment Program was a key recommendation of Olszewski’s transition team. In 2019, 194 youth participated in the program. Earlier this year, County Executive Olszewski announced an effort to grow the program with a goal of 300 participants.

Despite the impact of COVID-19, the County remains on track to meet that goal this year.

More information about Baltimore County’s Summer Youth Employment Program is available at: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/SYEP.

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