WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington is gearing up for a summer of learning and growth as Mayor Mike Purzycki and Parks and Recreation Director Ian R. Smith announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Youth Career Development (YCD) Program. Designed to equip the city’s young residents with valuable work skills and prepare them for a successful future, the YCD program offers numerous job opportunities and internships within the city government and the business and community sectors.
The registration period for the summer session, set to begin on June 17, is now open. Both new and returning applicants can register at www.wilmingtonyouthjobs.com until the deadline on Friday, April 12, 2024.
This initiative is part of Mayor Purzycki’s stated commitment to the city’s youth, emphasizing the importance of early career development and the cultivation of work-based skills. “We all want our young people to become more responsible in a work-like setting and to explore their unique skills and talents, thereby laying a solid foundation for future success as they transition to adulthood. This program is designed to help them do just that,” said Mayor Purzycki.
“Parks and Recreation is excited to play our role in this decades-long rite of passage for so many Wilmingtonians,” said Parks Director Smith. “We look forward to another successful year with our employment partners and young employees.”
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be between 14 and 20 years old, complete the online or mobile phone registration, meet residency and job-eligibility requirements, pass background checks and drug screenings, and arrange for direct deposit of their paychecks.
The YCD program offers two distinct tracks: internships and workforce.
For those interested in internships, the program will offer at least 75 positions with various entities, including United Way, Theatrical Delights, Aquatics, Christiana Care, University of Delaware-Green Jobs, and the City of Wilmington Art Works. Interns will be selected through a competitive interview process and, upon successful completion of the six-week program, will receive a letter of recommendation from their employer.
The workforce track offers around 250 entry-level jobs in diverse businesses and agencies throughout the community. Partner worksites include city departments, community centers, retail stores, education centers, insurance companies, law offices, childcare centers, and more.
The Parks and Recreation Department will hold intake sessions by appointment only after the online application has been successfully submitted. The YCD 2024 program is conducted in partnership with the Delaware Department of Labor.
Programs like YCD are vital in equipping the next generation with the skills and experiences needed to navigate the increasingly complex world of work. They provide young people with a unique opportunity to learn about different career paths, gain practical experience, and establish valuable connections within their community.
Moreover, the YCD program is not just about summer jobs – it’s about fostering a sense of civic responsibility and nurturing the future leaders of Wilmington. By investing in the city’s youth, the program contributes to the long-term prosperity of the entire community.
As the deadline for applications approaches, young residents of Wilmington are encouraged to seize this opportunity to enhance their skills, explore potential career paths, and make a meaningful contribution to their city. This could be the first step on their journey towards a successful and fulfilling career.
The summer employment program commences on June 17 with over 300 positions up for grabs. Interested individuals can register via smartphone or online at www.wilmingtonyouthjobs.com.
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