Summer Youth Employment Program Begins Monday In Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Starting Monday, Baltimore County’s Summer Youth Employment Program will offer youth ages 14 to 21 the opportunity to participate in a six-week program that offers real-world work experiences. This year, students will be placed in either virtual or onsite opportunities due to the coronavirus.

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 and assist with the county’s coronavirus response to prepare and distribute food, as well as more than 20 community employers.

Students who participate onsite, either with the county or with a private employer, will be provided with personal protective equipment and safety training as appropriate. Youth with on-site placements will work up to 25 hours per week, earning $11 per hour.

“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,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski in a news release. “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.”