- 1. What is the Summer Youth Internship Program?
The Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) is a paid training opportunity designed to help Polk County youth (ages 16–24) gain valuable work experience and develop essential employability skills. Participants work with local employers across various industries, giving them hands-on experience and exposure to potential career paths.
This program goes beyond just an internship—it includes:
- Practical training in real-world job settings
- Lessons in digital and financial literacy
- Career readiness and professional development
SYIP is part of CareerSource Polk’s commitment to preparing young leaders for success in the workforce and beyond.
🚨Updated for 2025: Streamlined Application Process🚨
Follow these 3 simple steps to apply:
1️⃣ Review and sign the Program Eligibility Checklist.
2️⃣ Prepare your eligibility documentation: These will need to be uploaded as part of your application.
3️⃣ Complete the Program Application: After signing the checklist, you’ll receive the application link via email.Important: The application must be completed by the applicant themselves.
- 2. How long is the program?
The 2025 Summer Youth Internship Program lasts up to 9 weeks. It begins June 9, 2025, and ends August 1, 2025. Students not enrolled in high school or college can train for up to 20 weeks.
- 3. How much will participants earn during their training?
All participants in the program will earn $15 per hour for their hours worked, regardless of whether or not they are currently enrolled in school. Participants can participate up to 30 hours per week, gaining valuable skills while earning paid wages.
- 4. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to Polk County residents who are:
- High School Students | Ages 16-18
- College Students | Ages 16-21
- Young Adults Not Enrolled in High School or College | Ages 16-24
- High School Students | Ages 16-18
- 5. What documents do I need for eligibility?
To start the application process, you must review and sign the Program Eligibility Checklist which lists out all the required documents. Below is a summary:
High School Students: Due to recent program updates, high school students will need a valid Florida ID and must be permitted to work in the United States.
- Birth Certificate
- I.D.
- Signed SS Card
- Report Card
- Proof of SNAP benefits
- 6 months household Income
- TANF
- Proof of residency
- Documentation of free/reduced lunch eligibility
Young Adults Not Enrolled in High School or College: Below are the documents that you will need if you are selected to participate in the youth training program. These include:
- Signed Social Security card (If you need to apply for one, please note that it takes at least two weeks to receive your card.)
- Verification of date of birth (Acceptable documents: Birth Certificate or Florida driver’s license)
- Current photo id (Acceptable documents: Florida driver’s license, Florida ID, US passport, or Alien Registration Card.
- Proof of income for the last six months for every working member in your household or proof of public assistance within the last six months or Free or reduced lunch verification.
Note: Free lunch must be validated based on an application and approval process not valid when the entire school receives free lunch. - Documentation of Polk County residency (Acceptable documents: lease agreement, utility bill, or letter from Social Service Agency)
- Documentation to validate the last school attended. (Acceptable documents: high school diploma, current school transcript, school summary report, or withdrawal documentation)
- 6. What are the income requirements for eligibility?
High School Students: Required to provide 6 months of most recent income.
Young Adults Not Enrolled in High School or College: Required to provide 6 months of most recent income and/or to provide one
- High School Dropout
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needed Families (TANF)
- Household Income
- 7. How old do I have to be to apply?
All youth interested in applying for the Summer Youth Internship Program must be at least 16 years of age by April 30, 2025, and no older than 24 years of age at the time of enrollment.
- 8. How long is the application open?
The Summer Youth Internship Program application is open from Monday, December 2, 2024, to Friday, January 31, 2025.
🚨 Updated for 2025: Streamlined Application Process!
Follow these 3 simple steps to apply:
1️⃣ Review and sign the Program Eligibility Checklist.
2️⃣ Prepare your eligibility documentation: These will need to be uploaded as part of your application.
3️⃣ Complete the Program Application: After signing the checklist, you’ll receive the application link via email.📌 Important: The application must be completed by the applicant themselves.
- 9. When will I know if I am selected for the program?
A member of the Youth Services/Young Leaders team will reach out via email or phone to let you know of your selection status. The timeframe of notifications will vary. Interviews will begin in January 2025.
- 10. When will I start at my internship at the worksite?
The 2025 Summer Youth Internship Program will host a mandatory intern orientation week starting on Monday, June 2, 2025, through Friday, June 6, 2025.
In most cases, you will begin training at your assigned worksite on Monday, June 9, 2025. But in some cases, it will depend on your date of enrollment and if training sites are available for your area. All concerns for placement will be communicated to the participant prior to the first day of work.
Do not report to any training/worksite without being notified by the Youth Services/Young Leaders team.
- 11. What company will I get to train with?
Participants will be placed in positions across Polk County based on several factors, including:
- Your availability and work schedule
- Your primary mode of transportation and the distance you’re willing to commute
- Your career interests and skills
- The needs of the employer or host agency
Please note: The variety of available positions may be limited in certain areas.
- 12. How will Youth Services communicate with participants?
Youth Services will primarily communicate with participants via email. Here’s what to expect:
- Eligibility Updates: Once all required documents are received, staff will email you regarding your eligibility status.
- Program Notifications: If selected, you will receive emails with updates on weekly activities, virtual workshops, and other important program details.
It is your responsibility to:
- Provide a valid, personal email address.
- Ensure your email address on file is accurate.
- Regularly check your email for updates and notifications.
Important: CareerSource Polk is not responsible for missed messages or delays due to unmonitored or incorrect email addresses.
- 13. When is the last day of training?
The last day of training in the Summer Youth Internship Program will be Friday, August 1, 2025.
Students not enrolled in high school or college may be able to complete additional training. Please contact a Young Leaders case manager.
- 14. How do I know my current school status?
Choose the option below that best matches your situation:
- High School: Select this if you’re currently a high school student in Polk County, including those enrolled in collegiate or dual enrollment programs.
- Adult School: Select this if you’re currently attending East Area Adult School, West Area Adult School, or any other adult education program in the area.
- College: Select this if you’re enrolled in a post-secondary school, such as a college, university, or technical college.
Note: “Attending School” includes students registered for classes, on a break between terms (e.g., summer months), and planning to return.
- 15. Can I participate if I am currently working?
The Summer Youth Internship Program was designed to aid those youth who have limited to no work history.
- High school young adults participating in the Summer Program must be able to manage their schedules between their employer and CareerSource Polk’s Summer Program.
- Young adults not enrolled in high school or college will need to meet with a case manager.
