Apopka expands summer youth employment program

From the City of Apopka Public Information Office

Apopka Youth Works – an award-winning partnership between the City of Apopka and CareerSource Central Florida – is returning for its fourth and largest-ever summer of jobs, financial and career education for local high school students.

More than 150 students ages 16 and older will participate in seven weeks of career education and on-site work experience with Apopka area businesses beginning in June. Apopka Youth Works started in 2015 with just 32 students and since expanded to offer more jobs, learning opportunities and career guidance for youth from moderate- to low-income families.

For many, it is their first chance to work in a real-world business environment and try out their many talents.

The program received more than 150 applications in the past two months. The submission deadline has been extended to March 14. To apply, visit www.apopkayouthworks.com. Call (407) 703-1819 for more information.

“Apopka Youth Works is an extraordinary success with invaluable support from CareerSource Central Florida, Apopka’s wonderful business community and so many dedicated and hard-working young people,” said Apopka Mayor Joe Kilsheimer. “This is an ideal investment in our youth that pays dividends to the future workforce of Apopka.”

Participating businesses get young and energetic summer workers at no cost. All that is needed is a safe and supervised workplace. The experience can help to prepare each student for a lifetime of work. Interested businesses should contact Dr. Shakenya Harris-Jackson at sjackson@apopka.net.

Another benefit of the program: All juniors will get one school credit for career and technical internships.

Apopka Youth Works includes a week-long training program - Workplace Essentials – to provide 24 hours of essential lessons such as how to write an effective résumé and cover letter, interview techniques, communication skills, conflict resolution, and professional workplace etiquette.

Students also participate in the United States Conference of Mayors’ DollarWise Campaign. DollarWise provides youth with financial literacy curricula targeting money management skills. By completing five online education modules, students are eligible to win Apple iPads and other prizes.

In 2017, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recognized Apopka Youth Works among the best youth work education, financial literacy, and career exploration programs in the country. Apopka also received a $10,000 grant.

On May 8, Apopka Youth Works will host program participants for a financial literacy night to learn about money management, savings, and credit. Guest speakers include nationally recognized youth financial literacy advocate Angel Rich, who is co-founder and CEO of The Wealth Factory that creates financial literacy and workforce development games geared toward young people.

Some Apopka Youth Works students will forego the summer jobs and weekly paychecks for tuition-free, college-level training to earn Emergency Medical Technician certification. Classes will meet three times a week for 11 weeks at Apopka’s Gilliam Training Center, and with instructors from the fully accredited OMI College of Health Sciences.

Students will earn a total of 300 hours of classwork along with hands-on training at the Apopka Fire Department and at Florida Hospital Apopka. When completed, they will be tested to become certified emergency medical technicians and emergency vehicle operators.