What are the expectations for youth?

You are expected to complete 20 hours of work per week from June 15th through August 21st. In addition, there are several activities and events throughout the summer that you must attend. They include: a 2-hour orientation, 10 hours of soft skills training, enrichment sessions, a 2-hour job fair, a mid-summer celebration event, and the end-of-summer celebration. If you need to miss a day of work or are unable to attend an event, you must let program staff know in advance. A no-call, no-show will disqualify you from participating in Summer Works.

Key dates for youth are listed below:

January 20th | Application Opens March 20th| Applications Due April 15th | Orientation April - May | Soft Skills Trainings May 13th | Interviewing with Employers June 15th - August 21st| Employment Period

Do I need a legal form of ID to participate in the program?

Yes, but we can help you get an ID if you don't have one. Please make sure this is included when you submit your application. All youth are required to have "acceptable ID documents" in order to start employment on the first day of work. While these documents are not required in order to apply, all employees are required under federal regulation to provide legal identity documentation in order to be employed. You can also acquire a Washtenaw County ID. Click here to learn how.

Am I guaranteed to get a job?

If you are accepted into the program and attend all required events, you are guaranteed a summer job placement. You may not get your first choice job placement, but your career interests will be taken into consideration when making job matches and you will learn valuable workplace skills no matter where you are placed.

Who can apply?

Any person between 16-24 years old living in Washtenaw County who is eligible to work may apply.

I've filled out the application, now what?

Once the application deadline has passed you will receive a phone call and email to the number and email address you included in your application form, to inform you about your acceptance into the program and next steps for your participation. Please be sure to check your email and phone messages regularly during the three weeks following the deadline. If you have not heard from program staff by mid-April please contact Shana Collins at scollins@mwse.org. In the meantime, be sure to mark the important program dates on your calendar, as you will be required to attend all events if you are accepted into the program.

How much money can I make over the summer?

You will be expected to work 20 hours per week throughout the duration of the 10-week program. Youth with a high school diploma or equivalent will earn $12 per hour and have the potential to make $2,400 before taxes. Youth without a high school diploma or equivalent will earn $10 per hour and have the potential to make $2,000 before taxes. Some employers may offer the option to work more than 20 hours per week.

What skills will I learn?

If you come prepared to learn, you will develop important professional skills to help you succeed in the workplace. These include, but are not limited to, communication, teamwork, professionalism, computer skills, problem solving and leadership. You will be supported by program staff throughout the summer and will have opportunities to practice job interviews, create a resume, learn about job applications and make a career plan.

What support is offered through the program?

We are committed to the success of our youth. A team of career advisors and success coaches will be assigned to each young person. Career advisors will be available over the summer to answer questions, help you address any issues that may come up and provide support as needed. Additionally, training opportunities will be offered to help you build important workplace skills.

What if I have never had a job before?

No problem! SummerWorks is designed to help you develop important workplace skills. Program staff will support you throughout your summer employment experience.

What are the work expectations for youth?

You are expected to work 20 hours per week over the 10-week period June 15 through August 21. You will need to show up on time, in appropriate clothing, ready to work. If you must miss a day of work, you are expected to communicate your absence to your employer ahead of time. If you need to miss work or events for an excusable reason, you must let program staff know in advance. SummerWorks is designed to help you build important workplace skills, so you should come ready to engage and learn about being a good employee.

What types of jobs do you offer?

We offer many different types of jobs in a variety of work environments. All of the job are in professional settings and are intended to help youth develop valuable workplace skills. Past employers have included:

• Equipment Specialist Assistant for University of Michigan-Athletics
• IT Project Assistant for University of Michigan Information & Technology Services
• Program Assistant for Michigan Medicine Department of Social Work
• Childcare Provider University of Michigan Children's Centers
• Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
• Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development
• Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
• Eastern Michigan University
• Corner Health Center
• City of Ypsilanti
• Ypsilanti Community Schools
• Washtenaw Intermediate School District
• United Way of Washtenaw County

How will I be matched with a job?

You will participate in a Match Day job fair. At Match Day, you will have the chance to participate in "speed interviews" - 5 minute interviews with several employers. We determine job placements based on youth and employer preferences. We cannot guarantee you will get your favorite job placement, but your preferences and career interests will be taken into consideration.. No matter where you are employed, you will learn valuable workplace skills.

Do I get to pick my work schedule?

You will determine your work schedule with your employer. Most employers have some flexibility with their job schedules Monday through Friday between 8am to 6pm. There are limited opportunities to work in the evenings. Some jobs have required work schedules. If you have special schedule requirements, including days you plan to miss, include these in your application - we will try to find employment that work with your schedule.

If I don't have a car, how will I get to work?

We will provide you with bus tokens or bus passes. If transportation will be an issue, it is important to note this as part of the application process so that we can take it into consideration when making job matches. We know that transportation to and from work can be a challenge but we will help every young person find a way to get to work.

Where are the jobs located?

All of the jobs are located in Washtenaw County. Most are in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Many jobs are at the University of Michigan, however these jobs can be spread out around the county. We work hard to ensure transportation to work is not an issue for youth. If you have any concerns about job location, note this as part of the application process.