Young Adults

2023 Program Applications Now Closed!

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You can learn more about the application process here.

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SummerWorks Program Details

Who can participate?

To be eligible for SummerWorks, you must be

16-24 years old at the time programming begins AND currently reside in, or attend school in, Washtenaw County.

Accepted participants may be asked for proof of vaccination (with allowance for medical or religious exemption).

Applications are typically open from late January to late March. If you are ready to apply for SummerWorks, please see full details below.

Please note: young adults may participate in the program for a total of three years (excluding 2020).

Time Commitment

Programming lasts from April to August

Those with internships can expect to spend ~20-25 hours / week
Professional Development will occur remotely while school is in session (Tuesday OR Thursday from 6-7:30pm)
Professional Development will switch to in-person during the week of June 12 (Fridays from 10am-2pm).
Young Adults will be expected to spend some time on building their professional portfolio (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, etc.) outside of their internships and Professional Development sessions.
Young Adults are also expected to attend community events, such as our Mid-Summer Celebration and End of Summer Celebration.

What are the components of the program?

Professional Development
- Participants attend weekly professional development sessions to improve essential skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and professionalism in the workplace.
- Each professional development session is led by SummerWorks staff along with special presentations led by professionals across various industries.
Mentorship
- Participants will be matched with an adult mentor who can answer questions, provide career advice, and strengthen their professional networks.
- General topics include career prep, professional development and navigating the workplace, college prep, and goal setting.
- Participants will meet with their mentor once per week during the program (each meeting typically lasting 30-60 minutes).
- Learn more about mentorship here.
Internship
- All program participants are eligible to interview for a summer internship, with priority going to those who have participated in programming in prior years. Asubset of young adults will be selected for a paid summer internship, but it is always our goal to match all young adults with an internship.
- Participants with an internship will work for 10 weeks between June and August.
Career Exploration
- Program Deliverables/Professional Portofolio
  - All young adults will complete a resume or executive summary, a cover letter, career exploration assessment and reflection, and more.
- Career Sneak Peek Week
  - Participants have the opportunity to watch videos from a variety of speakers to gain insight into different career trajectories, learn about skills needed for roles they may be interested in, and learn about different employers.