APOPKA, Fla. – The Apopka Youth Works employment program kicked off Monday with 75 local high-schoolers enrolled for a summer of valuable work education.
The popular summer work program, which expanded from last year’s inaugural enrollment of 32 students, provides seven weeks of career education and on-site work experience ending in August. Jobs are available to Apopka high-school juniors and seniors from moderate- to low-income families. Work is coordinated through partnerships with more than 20 local businesses.
Apopka Youth Works is a partnership between the City of Apopka and CareerSource Central Florida. Valencia College is providing the first week of essential workplace training. Lessons include how to write an effective résumé and cover letter, interview techniques, communication skills, conflict resolution, and professional workplace etiquette.
Students also will participate in the United States Conference of Mayors’ DollarWise Campaign. DollarWise provides youth with financial literacy curricula targeting money management skills. By completing 5 online education modules, students will be eligible to win Apple iPads and other prizes.
CFE Federal Credit Union will provide free checking and savings accounts for the students with their checks directly deposited each week.
Last year, CareerSource sponsored 20 of the students with $38,400 funded through the Workforce Investment Act. That federal program was completely updated in 2014 to provide $3 billion nationally for state and local work training programs for youth and adults. The City of Apopka sponsored 12 students for about $29,040.
This summer’s expanded program is open to 75 students. The combined contributions between the two agencies will be more than $180,000. The program pays for students to go to work – local employers provide a safe, educational work environment with supervision and mentorship.
