Wilmington summer youth jobs program opens applications

The city of Wilmington will hire 450 young people between the ages of 14 and 20 for summer jobs in the government, business and community sectors, Mayor Michael Purzycki and Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Kelley announced.

Registrations will be accepted from those who meet the age, income and residency requirements until April 29. Applications must be submitted during intake sessions, the first of which is today. Sessions will be hosted throughout the city by the Parks and Recreation Department on March 30 and April 4, 6, 11 and 29. The full schedule is included on the Summer Youth Employment Program page of the city's website.

The job placements include businesses across the community, such as the City of Wilmington, Bank of America, Southbridge Neighborhood House, Christiana Care, Administrative Office of the Courts and Williams & Crosse, Attorneys at Law, among others.

Mayor Purzycki said the Summer Youth Employment Program aims to develop skills among the young participants, many of whom are venturing into the workforce for the first time.

“These young people come in ready to work and learn, and we want them to exit the program at the end of the summer with a better foundation for their own growth as individuals and with a better understanding of the importance of service to the community,” he said.

The application form can be found on the city’s website at www.WilmingtonDE.gov/government/SYEP. Applicants can also call the Parks and Recreation Department at 302-576-3810. Those under 17 years of age must also complete a Delaware Department of Labor work permit form which can also be downloaded from the city’s website.

The names of the individuals selected for the program will be announced during a lottery on May 10 at 10 a.m. at the City Council Chambers at 800 North French St. The results will also be broadcast on WITN and posted on the city of Wilmington’s website.