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. Due to projected funding cuts, the Summer Work Program will not be accepting any public applications. School year LEAP program participation will be required this cycle for those interested in the Summer Work Program.
For questions, please contact the Summer Work Program team at summerwork@leap4ed.org.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Click here to learn more.
Program Focuses
- Personalized Component - Individual projects that match career interests!
- Supportive Environment - Cohort meetings, peer partner encouragement & lasting friendships!
- Innovative Programming - Job readiness workshops & leadership training!
- 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 July 7, 2025 - August 14, 2025
- 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
- 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.
