Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department just graduated 375 students from their Youth Career Development (YCD) Program that offers young people (aged between 14 and 21) the opportunity to get hands-on training. This session was supported by the Department of Labor and Bank of America; the second of whom provided a $100,000 grant!
In the Internship Track, students were placed with 1 out of at least 75 organizations who took them under their wing and provided tasks, day-to-day direction, and (perhaps most importantly) a letter of recommendation from their employer upon completion of the program. Selected through open and competitive interviews, the students got the opportunity to see what it’s like to enter a working environment. YCD also assigns each student a career mentor for the duration of the 6 week program to help them along this journey.
In the Workforce Track, students were placed into entry-level jobs so they could get experience working in a particular industry. These jobs spanned many industries: childcare, law offices, not-for-profit, and for-profit businesses in their community, and many more!
“Parks and Recreation remains committed to working with our partners to provide youth with an opportunity to gain workforce knowledge and experience,” said Parks Director Smith. “We know that what information and skills are gained in the Youth Career Development Program can greatly support our youth in making better decisions about their future.”
To be eligible for the next round of the YCD, youth MUST:
- Be at least 14, but not over 21
- Have working papers (if under 18)
- Meet residency requirements
- Fill out an online application
- Have a clear background check
- Pass the drug screening
- Arrange for direct deposit
Applicants who can satisfactorily complete these steps will enter consideration to be included in the program.
To learn more about this program as a business OR to apply to be a student, click here.
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