Cortland Works Career Center offers a grant-funded Summer Youth Employment Program where income-qualified youth from 14 to 20 years old can gain work experience and participate in activities to enhance job readiness. Both will be valuable in the future as you embark on your future career paths.
The six week work placement is a real job that involves real labor and real rules to follow. You will also earn real money through hourly wages and incentives. The work placements offer between 20-35 hours per week, depending on the location. Schedules vary by worksite, but generally hours are schedule between 8:30 - 4:30, Monday – Friday. Placements are determined by availability of work sites, access to transportation, and participant interest. You could be doing anything from answering phones to raking leaves, but no matter what you do, it all adds up for your future. Other opportunities include financial literacy workshops, job readiness skills development, and community projects.
We have many teens who come back year after year, but we are always eager to welcome new employees. Eligibility for participation in the program is based on Federal Income Guidelines and an application with supporting documents, including working papers for those under 18, which must be submitted before you can be considered for a work placement. There are two types of working papers, one for 14-15 year olds, and another for 16-17 year olds. Working papers can be acquired through the school district you live in, whether or not you attend that school. The application for working papers requires a recent medical physical. Please plan ahead to make sure you can get your working papers before schools close and the program starts!
So besides earning extra spending cash, why would you want to join the program? Well, some day, and sooner than you think, you will need a resume for a job. Almost every company asks for one when applying for a job. At the very least you will fill out an application. Having work experience to put on that resume or application will help you get a job faster than someone with no work experience. The program also gives you the opportunity to develop relationships with worksite supervisors, both from Cortland Works and from the worksite where you’re placed. Good references based on your outstanding work ethic are almost more valuable than a paycheck!
As a participant, there are several things you must bring to the job everyday: readiness to work, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, the ability to follow instruction, and lastly, but most importantly, a desire to participate actively and fully in the program.
If you have these qualifications, please join us for a summer to remember! Applications (see below) are due by May 30th.