Youth ages 14-24 who want to work or catch up on school credits this summer can apply for jobs through Arizona@Work, Pima County’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
Between 1,100 and 1,500 youth will be placed in jobs with Pima County, the city of Tucson, the University of Arizona and dozens of local business. Jobs pay $8.05 per hour, and vary from outdoor labor to clerical to retail.
The program offers valuable work experience that they can put on their résumé, and it gives them something to do in the summer, said Maria Suarez, youth coordinator with Arizona@Work Pima County.
“But, most importantly, for a lot of them, it’s a big financial help for their family,” Suarez said. “They buy their school clothes, their school supplies with this money. It’s also good for them to get paired up with a good work site where they can be with a mentor who can help with their career choices.”
Jobs are available in two sessions: May 31- June 30 and July 1-July 29; and range from 20 to 40 hours per week.
Youth can also earn elective high school credits through learning in math, reading and writing during the Summer Youth Programs.
The deadline to apply and set up an assessment is Friday, March 11. Go online to summeryouth.pima.gov or pick up an application from a local high school, community center or library. For more information, call 724-9649.
“The program ... opens up a lot of doors for future jobs,” said Raquel Galvez, 17.
