YouthCity Employment : Empowering High School Youth Through Career Readiness
YouthCity Employment is a free afterschool program for Salt Lake City high school students focused on career exploration, workforce readiness, and preparing youth for future employment opportunities. Youth will build professional skills, explore different career pathways, connect with City departments and community professionals, and gain tools to help prepare for jobs, internship opportunities and life after high school.
2026-2027 School-Year
YouthCity Employment Afterschool Program:
Get ready for YouthCity Employment’s first year of afterschool programming!
With two different pathways for 9th-10th graders and 11th-12th graders, there will be exciting curriculum opportunities for all Salt Lake City high school students!
Learn about other teen opportunities here
Important Dates:
- Program Dates: September 28th, 2026 – April 14th, 2027
Summer 2026
Teen Internship Program
Build confidence, develop real-world skills, and grow as a leader while gaining hands-on experience with youth.
Internship Overview
Child Development I
This is a 6-week unpaid opportunity designed to spark interest, build confidence, and prepare youth for higher levels of responsibility.
- Schedule:
- Monday-Friday mornings
- Eligibility:
- Open to Salt Lake City youth in grades 7–12
- Topics
- Career exposure & interest building
- Communication & teamwork skills
- Time management & responsibility
- Introduction to workplace expectations
- Project-based learning
- Supervised site exposure
Child Development II
This is a 6-week unpaid opportunity that supports youth who are ready for more responsibility but may not yet be prepared for a fully hourly position.
- Schedule:
- Monday-Friday afternoons
- Eligibility:
- Open to Salt Lake City youth in grades 7–12
- Topics
- Increased accountability and role ownership
- Supervised work-based learning experiences
- Continued skill development
- Professional communication
- Conflict resolution
Paid City Department Internships
This is an 8-week paid opportunity
- Schedule:
- Will vary by department
- Eligibility:
- Must be between 16 & 18 years old
- Must be work eligible
- Topics
- Attend workforce trainings
- Performance expectations aligned with entry- level employment
- Resume development
- Career pathway planning
Participant Demographics
28 Total Students
Gender
| Female | Male |
| 61% | 39% |
Race & Ethnicity
| Asian | 14% |
| Black / African American | 11% |
| Caucasian / White | 36% |
| Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander | 3% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 36% |
District of Residence
| District 1 | 21% |
| District 2 | 25% |
| District 3 | 11% |
| District 4 | 4% |
| District 5 | 21% |
| District 6 | 4% |
| District 7 | 11% |
| Outside of Salt Lake City | 3% |
Learn more about the Salt Lake City Council Districts here.
End of Year Internship Showcase
“The workforce development days set this program apart, equipping our kids with leadership training they may not get outside a corporate environment. Every child I spoke to was thoughtful, confident, and could pinpoint ways they grew both personally and professionally.”
-YCE Intern Parent
Contact Information
Senior Community Programs Manager:
- Erica Andino
- [email protected]
- (385) 309-7439
Program Instructor:
- Shelby Kealamakia
- [email protected]
Connect
YouthCity Employment Intern of the Week!
Learn more about our 2026 Summer Teen Interns!