Summer Work Program

The Summer Work Program is a program for high school students (ages 14-19) to explore careers, develop job skills, and work with a mentor while earning money! This program is operated in partnership with MassHire North Shore Career Center, Lynn Public Schools, and Salem Public Schools.    

Registrations open April 2024    

Interested in becoming a volunteer mentor? Click here for more information.

 

Program Focuses

  1. Personalized Component - Individual projects that match career interests!
  2. Supportive Environment - Cohort meetings, peer partner encouragement & lasting friendships!
  3. Innovative Programming - Job readiness workshops & leadership training!
  4. Committed Mentors - 1:1 career mentor to help with projects!

Program Goals

  • Build Networks - Connect with peers, employers, mentors and the larger community
  • Learn New Skills -  Develop workplace skills through workshops and hands-on learning
  • Explore Career Interests - Engage in challenging projects that connect to individual careers of interest

Watch what last year's students had to say!

Program Schedule

  • DATES 6 Weeks in July in August - exact dates TBD
  • DAYS - Monday to Thursday
  • TIME - 10:00 to 3:30 PM

DESCRIPTIONS
  • Cohort Meeting - Team building exercises and small group chats
  • Career Mentor Meeting - Chat with a matched mentor
  • Peer Partner Meeting - Chat and encourage a matched peer
  • Project Time - Design and develop a project that meets a real-world need
  • Career Readiness Workshop - Hands-on learning in workplace skills
  • Career Enrichment Workshop - Hands-on activities in career fields

Program Design

Students work 120 hours during the summer. Program components include:
  • Self-paced and interactive career readiness training
  • Project based learning aligned with student career interests
  • Career mentor for weekly advising on the career field and project feedback
  • LEAP facilitator for ongoing support

Additional Benefits

  • Hourly rate at minimum wage
  • Daily lunch
  • Transportation assistance available to students who are more than 1 mile from the program location
  • Friendly staff and community volunteers
  • District COVID safety protocols in place

Student Eligibility

  • Open to income-eligible high schoolers aged 14-19 residing on the North Shore, with priority given to students from economically disadvantaged households, English Learners, students of color, and first-generation-to-college students. Students are welcome regardless of documentation status.
  • Admission to the program requires completion of paperwork to LEAP and MassHire North Shore Career Center.