News Flash

Jan. 14, 2019 - The City of Hampton is looking for employees and employers to take part in the upcoming Summer Youth Employment Program.

Hampton residents who are 16-24 years of age can earn up to $1,500, gain valuable job skills, training and experience by working in a city department, at a private Hampton business, or with a Hampton non-profit from June 17-Aug. 30.

“It really was an adventure,” said Jakayla Scott, 18 of Phoebus High School, who participated in the program last summer. “I experienced a great working environment and met amazing people. I would recommend this program to any teens in my area.”

Businesses get summer help and a chance to help young people receive valuable work experience if they are willing to train and supervise a young employee for up to 20 hours a week. The city will cover the student’s pay. Last summer Hampton businesses got $30,000 worth of labor. All employees will receive program orientation and pre-employment training. Transportation to work by bus is also included.

“We’ve had some really nice young people working for us,” said Cary Patrick Jr., of Patrick’s Hardware, which has been a part of the program for three years. “They take an interest in what we ask them to do. It’s allowed us to catch up on some things we don’t normally do. It’s a positive experience for them and also a positive experience for us.”

Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck said the summer employment program offers meaningful employment, job skills, and a financial boost to young people.

“This program benefits not just the participating young people and businesses, but it has an impact on the broader community by increasing the level of job readiness in our city,” Tuck said.

Go online for more information about the program, an application for job seekers and a form for employers. Applications and forms will be accepted from Jan. 14-March 8.

Contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Opportunities at 757-727-4681, or email Coordinator Darius Swift at darius.swift@hampton.gov for more information.