DeKalb Creates 800 Virtual Summer Jobs For Teens, Young Adults

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy. The application deadline for the five-week summer jobs training program ends April 25.

This summer DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners will host the county’s sixth annual summer jobs training program, run by WorkSource DeKalb. The application process opened Tuesday and closes at 11:59 p.m. on April 25. It runs from June 6 through July 8. The program will provide 800 internships to DeKalb residents ages 14 to 24 who will be paid $10 per hour.

“As the economy continues to recover and high gas prices make transportation unaffordable for some part-time jobs, DeKalb County will continue to offer our summer jobs program as a virtual career academy,” said Thurmond in a statement.

Prospective participants are invited to apply for the program online. Participants will be selected through a lottery system.

DVCA is a collaborative partnership between the DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County School District, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, WorkSource DeKalb, public/private partners and community resource agencies.

The primary focus of DVCA is to close achievement gaps, offer counseling and support to youth and their parents, and provide a positive alternative career experience during the summer months for youth, according to a news release.

For the third consecutive year, due to the county’s continued focus on safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, selected interns will be able to virtually “learn and earn” critical job readiness skills, the release stated. Although the virtual format will continue, older youth will be given the option to participate in some on-the-job training at selected private and public worksites, the county said.

The academy primarily features six virtual components in its creative design: academic enrichment, academic counseling and support, career preparation training, credentialing training, GED preparation, and motivational/empowerment training.

Final selections will be emailed no later than April 29.

Questions about the internship program should be directed to Denise Kenner-Virgil at dkenner@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-687-3400.