ORLANDO, Florida. – While many students enjoyed their summer vacation, 600 young scientists in Orlando participated in the City of Orlando’s summer youth employment program.
The program provides youth with practical work experience in a variety of industries. It offers five-week paid internships as well as support such as transportation assistance. Sometimes there is even childcare and clothing assistance to ensure they have everything they need during their internship.
“This had nothing to do with Law & Order at all,” said Jamilah Thomas, a 12th-grader at Boone High School.
Jamilah, who completed a five-week internship at the Darling law firm, said her experiences inspired her to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney.
“I was able to see how he prepared for the trial. That was something. I was able to watch his testimony on video and look through medical records,” said Jamilah.
Kaylee Johnson, an eleventh-grader at Jones High School, worked at Sweeties Ice Cream, learning social and business skills.
“You know your friends say, ‘Don’t do it. Do it. You’ll be better when you get older,'” Kaylee said.
This program not only provides work experience, but also helps youth build valuable connections and understand workplace expectations.
Employers say it is a privilege to provide the next generation with their first workplace experience and plan to continue participating in the program.
“It just makes you proud. Sometimes the kid is just the MVP. They just show up and do what they’re supposed to do. That’s what happened this summer,” said attorney Andrew Darling.
The city plans to offer another round of internships in the fall. More information to come, but in the meantime, the city is looking for more companies to participate. Information about the job program can be found at Click here.
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