Post Date: 02/18/2020 4:00 PM

450 summer jobs and internships are available; for the first time, applicants must register using their phone or an online application

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Kelley, Sr. announced today the opening of the registration period for the City’s 2020 Youth Career Development (YCD) program. This year, the City will employ approximately 450 youths in various jobs and internships within City government as well as in the business and community sectors. Mayor Purzycki said the Youth Career Development Program is intended to help young Wilmingtonians develop valuable work skills and prepare them for a successful career and future.



“I would encourage young people to apply today for a summer job or internship and develop a solid foundation for continued personal and professional growth,” said Mayor Purzycki. “We want all of our young people to succeed, and they surely will by becoming more responsible in a work-like setting and understanding more about their own talents and skills.”



This year, for the first time, young people interested in summer employment must apply online or use their mobile device. To apply, use this link: WilmingtonDE.gov/youthjobs. Once an account is created and the registration is received by YCD staff, the applicant will be scheduled for an intake appointment where YCD staff will review the application and required documents.



To be eligible for the 2020 Youth Career Development Program, applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 21, must complete an application form, and must meet other income, residency and job-eligibility requirements, which can also be found online. Applicants 17 years of age and under must also complete an online Delaware Department of Labor work permit. Background and drug testing will be administered prior to employment. And all participants must arrange for direct deposit of their paychecks in order to be paid.



Internships

2020 Youth Career Development participants can apply for one of at least 100 internship positions with entities that include Summer Collab, United Way, Interfaith Housing, Freedom School, Green Jobs, Howard HS Delaware Pathways, and Christiana Care, as well as the City of Wilmington. Interns will be selected through an open and competitive interview process. The application deadline is Saturday, April 18, and internship participants will be notified via email and online. Youth workers will be assigned a career mentor during the six- to eight-week program, and after successful completion will receive a letter of recommendation from their employer.



Workforce Track

The workforce track will consist of approximately 350 entry-level jobs that are available in diverse businesses and agencies throughout the community. Partner worksites include the City of Wilmington, R.E. Williams Tax Accountants, Inc., Southbridge Neighborhood House, Girls Inc., the YMCA, Shop Rite, and the Riverfront Development Corporation, as well law offices, daycare centers, and other area employers. The deadline for applications is Saturday, April 18.



Career Pathway Track

A new feature of this year’s Youth Career Development program is the Career Pathway Track, which could result in year-round employment. The track places participants in jobs that relate to a youth’s career pathway. The track is available between the months of October through April and provides participants with an opportunity to work as many as 15 weeks.



This year, the Parks and Recreation Department will hold intake sessions by appointment only after the online application has been successfully submitted. A Department of Labor representative will also be on hand to help applicants complete their work permit forms.



YCD 2020 is conducted in partnership with Bank of America, the Delaware Department of Labor, and the Laffey-McHugh Foundation.

COMMUNITY AND MEDIA INQUIRIES :

John Rago

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Communications

Mobile: (302) 420-7928

Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov