Teen summer employment program targets new demographic

A summer employment program that pairs teens with paid job opportunities is now accepting applications, and the program administrators hope to reach a new audience.

CareerSource Pinellas, Pinellas County’s workforce development agency, recently opened registration for its annual Summer P.A.Y.S. (Preparing Area Youth for Success) program. The initiative, open to teens and young adults aged 14 to 19, partners with local employers to give students hands-on work experience in high-demand industries. In addition to paid jobs, students attend workshops to develop the skills they need to be successful employees and build future careers.

Jason Druding, Director of Business Services at CareerSource Pinellas, said this year they’re focusing on youth who receive free and reduced lunch or are eligible for income-based support programs, like TANF or SNAP benefits from the Department of Children and Families.

“We’re identifying areas that have a greater need for employment opportunities where otherwise they wouldn’t necessarily be available to them,” Druding said. “Through those experiences, we work to identify the interests and needs of the student, as well as try and match them with employers that can align to those resources.”

Steven Meier, CEO of CareerSource Pinellas, said 176 young people participated in the program in 2023, and they hope to reach about the same number again this year. CareerSource Pinellas is funded entirely by federal grants, so Meier said the number of student jobs they can support is funding-dependent.

Local businesses and organizations such as St. Pete Youth Farm, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast partner with CareerSource to connect students with either part-time or full-time jobs where they earn $15 per hour. To take part in the program, employers must be located in Pinellas County, be willing to participate in an on-site visit and complete a worksite agreement with CareerSource Pinellas to have students placed at their business. Employers from the public, private and nonprofit sectors can apply.

“Summer P.A.Y.S is a great way for young people to find employment opportunities, pave the way for job security and establish financial stability,” Meier said. “CareerSource Pinellas aligns employers with youth to provide them with the chance to build the necessary skills and learning experiences our industries require, leading to successful careers well beyond a summer job.”

Druding said they have a number of students returning to the program after participating in previous years. Because the Summer P.A.Y.S program is open to graduating seniors, young adults have also been able to land longterm jobs with partner employers after the program “officially” ends.

“That’s always an option at the conclusion of the subsidized employment programming. If [the employer] finds them to be a highly valuable candidate, we encourage them to bring them on board to their payroll and move it forward,” said Druding. “We try to ensure that it’s a positive experience for everyone.”