Over the summer break, 600 young scholars in Orlando had the opportunity to participate in the City of Orlando’s Summer Youth Employment Program. This program is designed to provide real-world work experience to teens in various industries, offering paid five-week internships along with support such as transportation, childcare, and clothing assistance to ensure they have everything they need for their internship.
One student, Jamilah Thomas, a senior at Boone High School, had the chance to intern at Darling Law Firm. Jamilah’s experience at the firm inspired her to pursue a career in criminal defense. She had the opportunity to witness the preparation for trial, watch deposition videos, and go through medical records, giving her a firsthand look at the legal process.
Another student, Kaylee Johnson, a junior at Jones High School, worked at Sweeties Ice Cream, where she gained valuable social and business skills. Kaylee encourages her peers to take advantage of such opportunities, as they can be beneficial in the long run and help them develop important skills for their future careers.
The Summer Youth Employment Program not only provides work experience but also helps teens make valuable connections and understand workplace expectations. Employers who participate in the program see it as a privilege to give the next generation their first experience in the workplace and plan to continue being involved in the program.
Attorney Andrew Darling expressed his pride in the program, stating, “Sometimes you just get the kid that is the MVP. They just show up and do what they’re supposed to do. That’s what happened this summer.” The success of the program has led the city to plan another round of internships in the fall, with more information to come. In the meantime, the city is seeking more businesses to participate in the program.
Overall, the City of Orlando’s Summer Youth Employment Program has proven to be a valuable opportunity for young scholars to gain real-world work experience, develop important skills, and make connections in various industries. As the program continues to grow and expand, it will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the future careers of the participating students.