Summer Youth Programs

employU offers several opportunities for youth to engage in career exploration during their extended break over the summer. Whether you are looking for a program that spans over the full break, or just something for one week, we have you covered! With our paid internships, camp, classes and workshops, there is something for everyone to fill the time with meaningful experiences over the summer.

Graduating Seniors and Recent Grads

If you are graduating or have recently graduated and would like to transition to adult employment services, click here to speak to an employU Customer Success Specialist who can assist with the process. Adult employment services provides one-on-one support to secure a long-term career based on your interests, skills, and travel radius. These services are available to individuals 18 years or older with a diagnosed disability who have completed high school and will not be attending any post-secondary school. If you are planning to attend a college or other post-secondary school, you may still qualify to receive youth services until you graduate from that institution. Contact us to see if you qualify for adult employment services and to learn how to get started.

employU’s summer paid internships offer students a unique and invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and the real world. These internships, paid at $15 an hour, serve as a launching pad for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. By working alongside professionals, students learn practical skills, such as time management, problem-solving, and communication, which are highly sought after by employers. Moreover, internships provide a platform to network with industry professionals, build lasting relationships, and expand their career horizons.

Beyond the practical aspects, these internships offer financial benefits, allowing students to earn money while developing their careers, making them an excellent way to gain valuable experience while investing in one’s future.

*Experiences vary by area. Contact your VR Counselor for more information.

Building Internships in Construction Knowledge

Areas include Brevard and Duval counties

Areas include Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties

Only in Brevard County

*Industry programs vary by area. Contact your VR Counselor for more information.

Our Industry-Based Learning Experiences offers a comprehensive paid internship program that immerses individuals in the construction, hospitality, or manufacturing industries. Through this unique program, participants earn $15 per hour while gaining hands-on experience at a single company, where they are exposed to different job skills within their chosen field. This allows for a deeper understanding of the industry and a well-rounded set of skills.

By working alongside experienced professionals, participants gain valuable insights, leading to open pathways for continued growth and long-term career success in these dynamic industries.

Program Highlights:

• Paid Internships: Earn $15/hour while you learn valuable skills!
• Immersive Experience: Learn two different job skills at the same company
• Hands-on Training: Work alongside experienced professionals, gaining real-world experience.
• Career Opportunities: Open pathways to continued growth and long-term career success.

Are you a student seeking a dynamic and enriching experience this summer, but limited by your schedule? Look no further. Our Summer Special is a one-week paid internship designed to provide you with invaluable skills and insights that will boost your career prospects, all within a focused and time-efficient format.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Skill Development: You will gain valuable expertise in critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and team collaboration.
• Dynamic Hands-on Learning Experience: Unlike traditional internships, our program is designed to be completed in just one week. We understand that you have many commitments during the summer.
• Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with peers. Our program fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging meaningful interactions and professional growth.

employU’s 1-Week Career Camps offer an immersive and interactive learning experience for students looking to build essential workplace skills and explore potential career paths. Through engaging activities like role-plays, vision board building, mock interviews, and budgeting exercises, campers develop strong communication, problem-solving, confidence-building, and self-advocacy abilities. Industry leader guest speakers provide valuable insights into their careers, offering a glimpse into various fields and educational opportunities.

Attending all 30 hours of camp allows students to earn up to $250 while maximizing their benefits and gaining a competitive edge in the job market.

Work-Readiness Training prepares students with practical skills they will need to enter the workforce. Each 20-hour workshop is designed to help students identify possible career interests, set and track goals, develop communication and conflict resolution skills, build a resume and cover letter, learn the dos and don’ts of interviewing including practicing interview skills, how to be a good employee, explore transportation options, and develop budgeting skills.

Self-Advocacy Training is a 30-hour interactive workshop that focuses on the development of soft skills – personal attributes needed for success on the job and apply to any career field. Soft skills relate to how you work and include interpersonal (people) skills, communication skills, listening skills, time management, empathy, critical thinking, problem solving, teamworking, professional attitude, and work ethic, among others, which are desirable in all professions.

Disclaimer: Any student who receives more than $600 in a calendar year of stipends, incentives, gifts, etc. from employU will be sent a 1099 form.