Youth and young adults are paired with a Youth Employment Counselor who assists them in obtaining the skills necessary to succeed in the world of work. 

Target Population: The Public Youth Program targets people who are ages 14 through 21, who are a resident of the City of Alexandria resident, are a U.S. Citizen or have the right to work in the U.S., if born in a foreign country.

Program Description & Services: Participants are placed within a government and non-profit agencies in the City of Alexandria for a six-week summer work experience.

Goals: To enhance youth education, encourage school completion through alternative educational programs, and provide exposure to the world of work through apprenticeship and career exploration.

Alexandria youth ages 14-21 are invited to apply for the Workforce Development Center’s (WDC) Summer Youth Work Experience 2021, a six-week paid summer youth developmental work experience that runs from July 12 to August 20. 

Participants work 20 hours per week and are paid $9.50 per hour. 

The annual summer employment program is part of WDC’s TeensWork! Program, which is designed to help youth ages 14-21 obtain and retain employment year round. The summer program gives youth summer income, work experience, essential workplace skills and opportunities for career exploration.

Like last year, much of the program will be provided virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to worksite experience, WDC will provide career development and education opportunities through live webinars, small group video meetings, one-on-one coaching, self-paced individual learning and other online experiences. 

Each participant will also be assigned a counselor, who will provide weekly online group gatherings focusing on job skills and training topics as well as one-on-one meetings.

Youth interested in the experience need to apply at alexandriava.gov/jobs. Follow these steps:

• Click on City Employment Opportunities (Open to All)

• Click on Youth Employment Aide

• Click on Apply

• Create Your Profile

• Make sure you answer the Supplemental Questions

Accepted applicants will be contacted via email to schedule an interview. For more information, email wdc@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5990.

View or download a flyer about the program.

Target Population: The Private Youth Program targets people who are ages 16 through 21, who are a resident of the City of Alexandria resident, are a U.S. Citizen or have the right to work in the U.S., if born in a foreign country.

Program Description & Services: Participants work with a counselor and are enrolled in various workshops to increase their employability and allow them to compete with the general public for jobs with private companies.

Goals: To enhance youth education, encourage school completion through alternative educational programs, and provide exposure to the world of work through apprenticeship and career exploration.

Target Population: The WIOA Youth Program targets young people who are ages 14 through 24, who are low income, and who may need help to complete an educational program or find and hold employment. To be low income, one must be receiving welfare or food stamp, homeless, a foster child, or have a family income that meets specific income guidelines.

Program Description & Services: This is a federally funded program that assists participants by assigning a counselor to assess their employment, education and training needs, while providing support services for any personal life situations.

Goals: To enhance youth education, encourage school completion through alternative educational programs, and provide exposure to the world of work through apprenticeship and career exploration.

The Youth Career Academy (YCA) is sponsored by the WIOA and the City of Alexandria.  YCA provides a safe haven for Alexandria’s youth to explore and gain information about various career options, scholarships offerings, schedule an appointment with an employment training specialist or access job leads.  YCA is committed to providing Alexandria’s youth with a clear lens that will enable them to connect academic learning to the world of work.  

• Find an office that serves your area
• More information about the  WIOA Youth Program 
•  Youth and Young Adult Programs and Services Brochure 
• TEENSWORK! Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)