Summer Youth Employment Program
About
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a summer opportunity for youth ages 14-21 who are interested in learning new skills, working in intern positions throughout Pima County and attending summer school to help youth advance in secondary education. This program is administered by Pima County Community & Workforce Development and is available during the summer months.
You can do it!
Getting ready for work, college and life can be complicated, but getting help should be simple. One call does it all: we can help you make a career plan, set long term goals, build a strong support system, gain work experience, develop your skill set, figure out what to do next summer, figure out how to pay for college, increase your self-confidence, make better choices, & more.
How To Apply
Look for the Summer Youth Application online and on paper at many locations (such as high schools and community centers) throughout Pima County during the beginning of the year for an opportunity to apply for summer programs or click
here
Although we cannot recommend or endorse specific programs, we encourage you to research and take advantage of the many summer programs for youth and teens offered by local public entities, not profit and community-based organizations
Are you interested in being a worksite for youth?
The summer program partners with local area business and other organizations to place youth participants at a workplace to help youth prepare for future employment and assist employers throughout the summer months. Worksite supervisors attend an orientation regarding time management, applicable child labor laws and more. Youth are employed by the program and paid a hourly wage. If your organization is interested in participating and helping us prepare youth for future employment please complete the worksite request form or call the Youth Center at (520) 724-9649.
Summer Reports
SYEP 2022
Las Artes, Arts & Education Program
Las Artes offers a unique learning environment for youth ages 17-22. We combine structured classroom study combined with community art projects that allow students to prepare for General Education Development (GED) test and learn valuable job-readiness skills.
Classes are held 30 hours per week and students must attend daily. The aim is to blend the best of classroom instruction with a hands-on project where attention to detail is emphasized.
Las Artes pays students a weekly stipend. Students who meet all of the program’s academic and attendance requirements can earn a bonus!
Student Services
Students benefit emotionally, financially and academically from support on a variety of related issues ranging from language barriers, anger management, legal intervention, or child care. Qualified Case Managers coach and counsel students to overcome issues that keep them from succeeding in the classroom.
Curriculum
Students are required to complete basic education courses and an eight-week community art project. They begin by taking a placement assessment called TABE that matches their level of education with coursework.
The time frame to complete the GED, when entering at:
- Level 1: 32 weeks
- Level 2: 24 weeks
- Level 3: 16 weeks
Placement levels are determined at the time of assessment.
Earn while you Learn
Hardships hinder a student's ability to attend school. Las Artes pays students a weekly incentive to offset the cost of transportation, clothing and school supplies. As an added incentive, students may be eligible for bonuses based on attendance and academic requirements of the program.
Art Projects
Magnificent mosaic art murals created by Las Artes students beautify neighborhoods, libraries, and other public buildings throughout Pima County. Through an eight-week project, students receive valuable on-the-job training and learn team building, punctuality, community involvement and self-confidence, which are all essential to developing a strong work ethic. Students also gain a sense of pride and accomplishment through this community connection.
Enrollment
Youth must complete an application and take a basic academic assessment to determine placement level for Las Artes.
Questions about admission or PVHS programs? Contact Kayla Walker, Education Service Coordinator at (520) 724-9402 or email kayla.walker@pima.gov
Visit the Pima Vocational High School website for additional information.
Pima Vocational High School
Pima Vocational High School is a School-to-Work Charter High School with a focus on youth 16 to 21 years old who are looking for an alternative opportunity to succeed in obtaining an accredited High School diploma along with vocational training.
Students realize they are confident and prepared individuals with a comprehensive career plan, professional portfolio, and acquired workplace skills upon graduation.
Administration
Vision: Every person works at building self-esteem to grow and support academic, individual, and employment success.
Centered around the students, PVHS teachers and staff demonstrably care for the students academic and career success. Guided by a the PVHS Board, all Arizona State Board for Charter Schools performance measures are met, see dashboard.
PVHS follows the most recent protocols from CDC, Arizona Department of Education, and Governor’s Executive Order so you may attend in person or continue distanced learning.
On campus students must wear a mask. Bring a mask or one may be provided. More details in our
re-opening plan. See also
distance learning plan if it is the right fit for you.
Follow the links for more information about
COVID-19 or the
Vaccine for those 16 years and older.
Interns (Current Students)
The focus with all of our students is always on the goal, so positive reinforcement and student connection are key to getting our students across the all-important finish line of graduation.
PVHS student portal allows you and your family to access their grades, attendance, their schedule, testing information, resources, and job opportunities.
Prospective Students
PVHS specializes with students that may have had every other door closed on them. Teachers and staff respectfully engage students to help them build a career plan. Consider some reasons below that have contributed to PVHS success.
- Small class size by design, optimizing engagement and exploration, creating focus when needed, and a space for celebrating all accomplishments.
- Strong collaborative partnerships to identify and overcome academic and social barriers.
- Experience with a variety of workplace environments
Enrollment in Pima Vocational requires that applicants have completed the eighth grade. Prospective students must file a completed application and be interviewed by a staff member before enrolling. See
student handbook
Teachers and Testimonials
Classes and Internships
Each student can choose from several educational tracks and is required to select a primary academic focus.
Locations
For more information contact one of the following Pima Vocational High School locations:
175 W. Irvington Road
Tucson, AZ 85714
(520) 724-9740
map
Bus access from all buses transferring at Laos Transit Center. Plan your commute with SunTran Trip Planner |
5025 W. Ina Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 724-9400
map
No current bus routes available. Contact Youth Resource Specialist at (520) 724-9402 |
The Pima County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Youth Council
Youth Career Expo 2022
Each year the Youth Council presents a Youth Career Expo series that features a different industry sector showcasing the various career opportunities available. Past youth expos have involved industries like, health and bioscience, logistics, aerospace & defense, construction, communications, emerging technologies and justice careers.
Library Program
This program is a 16 week or 300 hour program for individuals 16 years and older. Library interns are paid at Library Page rate, and if successfully completed, you may be recommended for a Library Page position.
If you'd like to start working at the library as a Library Intern or Library Page, follow these steps:
- Contact the library location where you want to work to ask if they are hiring.
- Fill out the Pima County Employment Application and create a resume (you can even get help at the library with this!)
- Send application and resume to the Pima County Youth One Stop via email (Youth.Center@pima.gov), drop it off at 320 N. Commerce Park Loop, 2nd Floor or fax to (520) 770-4134
- If you are in school you will need to send your current report card with your application
- Call the Youth Center for an Employability Skills Workshop (520) 724-9649
- After you completed the steps above, contact the library location where you want to work and let them know that you submitted everything to the Youth One-Stop.
What happens after you apply?
The library will review your application and may contact you for an interview. If you are successful and the library decides to place you, Youth Center staff will contact you. You will get instructions on how you will start your new internship or job at the library.