Youth Employment Program

Today’s Youth. Tomorrow’s Workforce. Racine’s Future.

Mayor Cory Mason and the City of Racine are excited to announce the Youth Employment Program is back for the summer of 2024! The Youth Employment Program is an 8-week internship program that provides local youth, ages 16 to 24, with work placement directly within City of Racine departments. Youth employees will earn $15.91/hour on a part-time schedule.
The City of Racine city residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range.
Our mission is to provide job accessibility in the City of Racine by introducing readily available training that leads to professional opportunities in city government.
The City of Racine’s Youth Employment Program is more than a summer program; it’s where talent meets opportunity. The City of Racine has introduced professional on the job experience and made it accessible to youth, ages 16-24. Youth can explore professional career pathways and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Youth will have the opportunity to work alongside City of Racine professionals completing hands-on projects, job shadowing and gaining authentic work experience. We offer a variety of positions and departments including Marketing/social media, Construction, Real Estate Inspections, Engineering, IT/ Cyber Security, Early Education, Environmental Science and much more!

If you are interested in learning more about the City of Racine, looking for a career experience and/or want to make great money this summer — APPLY TODAY!

In addition to working directly within City of Racine departments, every Friday you will come together as a cohort to participate in activities that will enhance your personal and professional development. This year’s #FundamentalFridays will focus on:

  • Mental Health
  • Financial Literacy
  • Exploring and Learning at Root River
  • Resume and Interview Preparing
  • CPR training
    ………And more!

 

To stay updated on future youth employment programs with the City of Racine, sign-up for our text alerts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The City of Racine’s Youth Employment Program (YEP) is an 8-week employment program. YEP provides City area youth, ages 16 to 24, with work placements directly in a City of Racine department.

What is the Youth Employment Program (YEP)?

An employment program that provides youth with employment working directly with City of Racine professionals completing hands-on projects, job shadowing, and gaining an authentic work experience. We are offering a variety of positions and City departments. For example;

  • Racine Fire Department
  • Racine Public Library
  • Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
    And Many More!
How do I participate in the YEP?

There is a 2-part application process Youth must complete to be considered for participation in the Youth Employment Program. Application period is April 19th – May 3rd.

  • Part 1: Online application- Due Monday, May 3, 2024
  • Part 2: Minimum of 1-minute video answering the following:
    • Your name
    • What is your school, pathway/Major?
    • Fun fact about yourself
    • What are your career interests and why?
    • What do you hope to accomplish or learn from the Youth
    • Employment Program?
Where can I access the YEP application?

Here is the link to the application. YEP Application

How long is the YEP (Youth Employment Program)?

The Youth Employment Program is an 8-week summer program.

  • Application Period: April 28th –  April 19 – May 15th
  • Human Resources On-boarding: Week of June 10th
  • Youth Employment Program: June 24th – August 16th,2024
Which City of Racine department will I work for?
  • On your application, you will choose your top 3 City departments or careers of interest. We will do our best to match you with one of those departments.
  • In some cases, we will place you with a department that may be a better fit based on your application.
  • You will know your department placement once you receive an offer letter.
Is my position in the YEP secured after applying?

As much as we would love to hire every youth who applies to our program, we cannot. Spaces are limited and based on work demand. You are evaluated based on your application and video submission for placement. Therefore, please be sure to answer all the questions and meet all requirements and deadlines.

How many hours will I work a week?
  • YEP Participants must be able to commit to the full program, acknowledging they cannot miss more than 1-week of work.
  • You will work up to 25 hours per week.
  • You will be a part-time City of Racine employee.
How much will I be paid per hour?
  • $15.91/ hour, you will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
  • We encourage direct deposits. Please indicate on the application if you do not have a bank account.
Are there any restrictions or requirements?
  • You must be between the ages of 16 and 24.
  • You must be able to work at least 7 out of the 8 weeks of the program. (email Kischa Buford if you have any questions or concerns)
  • You must complete both parts of the YEP application.
What documentation will I need to provide?
  • Social Security Card
  • Wisconsin ID or Driver’s License
  • Parental agreement if under the age of 18
What's the proper dress attire?
  • Attire will depend on your department placement. For example, Finance department may require business casual whereas Department of Public Works may require jeans and steel-toed boots.
  • We will provide you with a YEP T-shirt & Polo.
  • Your department manager will inform you of uniform or dress requirements during the on-boarding process.
Will I be responsible for my own transportation?

Every YEP participant can request a free RYDE Racine bus pass. This bus pass is available for Youth to use for transportation to and from work, in addition to being used outside of the Youth Employment Program itself.

Fundamental Friday’s (Cohort Day’s): Youth employees come together as a cohort and experience activities that will enhance/ improve their professional and personal development. Topics include:

  • Mental Health
  • Financial Literacy
  • Kayaking at the Root River Environmental Education Center, and more!

Fundamental Friday’s will be 3-4 hours long (starting at 9 AM). They are mandatory and will be every Friday.

Employment Opportunities with the following City of Racine Departments

Fire Department

Racine Public Library

Mayor's Office

Police Department

City Clerk

Finance

City Attorney

Public Health

Parks, Rec. and Cultural Services

Library

Wastewater Utilities

Engineering

City Development

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3 days ago

Today is #EarthDay2024. We should all take a step back and think about all the things we could be doing to make our planet a better place. ... See MoreSee Less

Today is #EarthDay2024. We should all take a step back and think about all the things we could be doing to make our planet a better place.
6 days ago

Photos from City of Racine Financial Empowerment Center's post ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Juneteenth is right around the corner!

Please check out our Juneteenth webpage for information on:

🔴 Sponsorship Opportunities - if you’re an organization/business, please consider sponsoring a Juneteenth event and/or getting an advertisement in the souvenir booklet.

🟡 Vendor Applications - if your organization/business would like to be a vendor for the Juneteenth Day Celebration, please review and submit a vendor application.

🟢 Sneaker Ball 3.0 - Tickets can be purchased online or at the PRCS Main Office, Bryant Center, or King Center.

To view the webpage, click here: www.cityofracine.org/ParksRec/Events/Juneteenth/
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6 days ago

Applications are now available for youth ages 16-24 who are interested in being a part of the paid summer internship program with the City of Racine! Click the link here to find out more! forms.gle/SEaJH18ACF7CQf718Applications are now OPEN for the Summer 2024 City of Racine Youth Employment Program! Please click the link below to apply or scan the first QR code to apply 😄!
Direct Link: forms.gle/SEaJH18ACF7CQf718
... See MoreSee Less

Applications are now available for youth ages 16-24 who are interested in being a part of the paid summer internship program with the City of Racine! Click the link here to find out more! https://forms.gle/SEaJH18ACF7CQf718
6 days ago

For all K-6 students at the following schools!Is your child who is enrolled as a Julian Thomas Elementary School, Knapp Elementary or Mitchell Elementary School student interested in having their drawing in a calendar? Apply to the FEC Financial Literacy Month Calendar Art Contest for a chance to be featured! Reach out to Dina Knibbs at 262-636-9488 for any questions or concerns. ... See MoreSee Less

For all K-6 students at the following schools!
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