YouthWorks: Offering career paths—not just paychecks

Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com

For more than 50 years, Baltimore’s YouthWorks program has provided paid summer jobs to local youth, offering critical skills, mentorship and pathways to future success.

YouthWorks, operated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), offers five-week paid internships for city youth aged 14 to 21. Participants earn $15 per hour while working with employers across the private, nonprofit and public sectors.

Applications for summer 2025 opened in January, with over 16,000 youths expected to apply. MacKenzie Garvin, MOED’s director of Youth Services, said accessibility is a major focus.

Students can now earn credentials in industries like construction, healthcare and information technology while participating in summer internships.(Courtesy Photo / YouthWorks Facebook)

“We keep our portal open for an extended period of time to allow lots of young people the opportunity to access the application, and they can apply online,” said Garvin.

In addition to digital outreach, the program also partners with local council members and deploys career coaches into schools and recreation centers to reach youth directly.

“There’s such high demand for young people to work in the summer. We need a lot of job sites, and we’ve had so many excellent employers that provide a great work experience,” said Garvin.

Past job placements have included Code in the Schools, the Media Rhythm Institute and city agencies. One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is the program’s expansion into career-connected learning, including credentialing opportunities.

YouthWorks: Offering career paths—not just paychecks
YouthWorks program is building futures for youth by giving them more than just financial independence, they’re providing career development. (Courtesy Photo / YouthWorks Facebook)

“YouthWorks is a base to leverage other really impactful ideas, like helping young people get connected to industry-recognized credentials tied to their CTE programs,” Garvin said.

Through a new partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools and the nonprofit Baltimore’s Promise, YouthWorks launched a healthcare pilot program that allows high school students to gain hands-on experience in medical fields.

“This program helps students focus when they return to school so they’re not just on track for graduation, but also more aware of their career paths,” said Assistant Director and Chief of Youth Services Donnice E. Brown.

Garvin added that students can now earn credentials in industries like construction, healthcare, and information technology while participating in summer internships.

For more than 50 years, Baltimore’s YouthWorks program has provided paid summer jobs to local youth. (Courtesy Photo / YouthWorks Facebook)

“Students are now able to earn industry-recognized credentials in areas like healthcare, IT, and construction—credentials that count toward graduation,” she said.

New to this year’s program is the expansion of year-round internship options, designed to serve youth beyond the summer months. These internships, supported by local foundations, offer students continued work-based learning during the academic year, reinforcing both workforce readiness and classroom learning.

Additionally, YouthWorks has introduced more specialized placements in high-demand fields such as clean energy and digital technology. These targeted opportunities aim to align student experience with Baltimore’s evolving job market, preparing youth for emerging careers while supporting citywide economic development goals.

These enhancements reflect a broader push to make YouthWorks not just a job placement program but a pipeline to meaningful careers and economic stability.

Great Job Andrea Stevens & the Team @ AFRO American Newspapers Source link for sharing this story.

#FROUSA #HillCountryNews #NewBraunfels #ComalCounty #LocalVoices #IndependentMedia

Felicia Ray Owens
Felicia Ray Owenshttps://feliciarayowens.com
Felicia Ray Owens is a media founder, cultural strategist, and civic advocate who creates platforms where power meets lived truth. As the voice behind C4: Coffee. Cocktails. Culture. Conversation and the founder of FROUSA Media, she uses storytelling, public dialogue, and organizing to spotlight the issues that matter most—locally and nationally. A longtime advocate for community wellness and political engagement, Felicia brings experience as a former Precinct Chair and former Chief Communications Officer of Indivisible Hill Country. Her work bridges culture, activism, and healing through curated spaces designed to inspire real change. Learn more at FROUSA.org

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