SYTP Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Summer Youth Leadership Training Program?

CareerSource Polk’s Young Leaders program provides paid summer and year-round training experiences for Polk County youth between the ages of 16 to 24.  Selected youth train in a variety of positions with employers through out Polk County.  This real-world training experience was designed to expose youth to a variety of industries and potential career paths.  This program is packed with hands-on training, employability skills and lessons, financial literacy awareness and exposure to a variety of industries.

How long is the program?

The 2023 Summer Youth Leadership Training Program lasts up to ten weeks. It begins June 5th and ends August 4th.

Students not enrolled in high school or college can train for up to 20 weeks.

How much will participants earn during their training?

Young adults enrolled in high school will be receive $13 per hour. Young adults not enrolled in high school or college will receive a stipend that will determined and not to exceed $15 per hour. Participants can train up to 30 hours per week.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to the following candidates:

  • Polk County residents.
  • Young adults aged 16 to 24.
What documents do I need for eligibility?

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.

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 6-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)
What are the income requirements for eligibility?

High School Students:

Due to recent program updates, household income no longer plays a role in determining eligibility.

Young Adults Not Enrolled in High School or College:

Young adults not enrolled in high school or college must be determined low-income using at least one of the following:

  • High School Dropout
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needed Families (TANF)
  • Household Income

Note: Out-of-school youth will be required to provide 6 months of most recent income.

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 30th and no older than 24 years of age at the time of enrollment.

When will I know if I am selected for the program?

A member of the Young Leaders team will reach out via email or phone to let you know of your selection status. 

When will I start at my training site?

The Summer Program will host a mandatory workshop on June 2.

In most cases you will begin training at your assigned training site on Monday, June 5. 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. Please do not report to any training site without being notified to do so.

What company will I get to train with?

Participants will be placed at various positions throughout Polk County based on, but not limited to the following factors:

  • Your schedule of availability to work
  • Your primary mode of transportation/the distance you are while to commute for work
  • Your career interests & skills
  • The needs of the employer/host agency

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VARIETY OF POSITIONS MAY BE LIMITED IN SOME AREAS.

 

How will we communicate with participants?

Youth Leadership Training Program participants are required to have their own valid email address.  CareerSource Polk staff will communicate by email with regards to eligibility status once all required documents have been received.  If selected to participate in the program, CareerSource Polk staff will also send email notifications regarding weekly activities and virtual workshops.  It is your responsibility to ensure that we have the correct email address on file and that you are checking your email on a regular basis for updates and notifications.  CareerSource Polk is not responsible for messages that are not received timely.

When is the last day of training?

The last day of training in the Summer Youth Leadership Training Program will be Friday, August 4th.

Students not enrolled in high school or college may be able to complete additional training. Please contact a Young Leaders case manager.

What is my current school status ?

Below are the options for school status and what determines your selection:

High School  – Select if you are currently attending a Polk County School as a high school student including students enrolled in collegiate or dual enrollment programs.

Adult School – Select if you are currently attending East Area Adult School, West Area Adult School or any other adult school in the area.

College – Select if you are currently enrolled in a post-secondary school including technical colleges.

Note:  “Attending School” includes those registered for classes, is between school terms and intends to return to school (ex. Summer months)

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