Summer is months away but Hillsborough County teens and young adults can start applying now for CareerSource Tampa Bay's 2021 Summer Job Connection.

What You Need To Know

Chelsea Delancy lost her job at the beginning of the pandemic last year.

She said applying for the Summer Job Connection proved to be life-changing.

Delancy worked in an office setting learning clerical, communication and financial skills.

"What it meant for me was I was able to learn more about myself and my career," she said.

The program, which is aimed at people 16-24 years old, is designed to give low-income and disadvantaged youth paid work experience during the summer.

"It's everything from manufacturing, construction and trades, transportation and logistics, healthcare, information, shared financial services, anything you can think of. We want employers from every industry sector," said John Flanagan, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay.

Hillsborough County school administrators praise the program. They said it helps students network and learn skills they can use after graduation.

Conchita Canto-Jones said she participated in a similar program when she was a teenager, interning at Hillsborough County Schools.

She now works for the same school district.

"My experience there allowed me the opportunity to grow professionally. I had mentors there that said to me "You can do more and be more," she said.

Last summer, the Summer Job Connection program was all virtual but this year, organizers said they're hoping to be able to offer a more traditional work experience.

"Our goal is to have actual experience with actual employers in a brick and mortar setting," said Flanagan.

SJC will expand its opportunities to 1,000 youth this year.

It includes a 6-week paid internship earning $12.00 per hour for 24 hours per week.

The program will run from June 14, 2021 to July 23, 2021.

Delancy said her Summer Job Connection experience helped her focus.

"So now I know exactly what I want to do and who I want to work for."

The application period runs from January 4, 2021 to March 12.

CareerSource Tampa Bay is also looking for businesses interested in participating.

For more information, visit: https://www.careersourcetampabay.com/summer-job-connection/