Learn & Earn is open: Here’s how to get kids signed up

Wondering how to keep your teen occupied this summer? Put them to work.

Learn & Earn, Allegheny County’s six-week summer youth employment program, is open to low-income residents ages 14-21 who want to develop professional skills while they make money. Following an orientation session June 21-24, work experience runs June 27 to Aug. 5.

There are so many positions available, ranging from urban gardening to website creation. Students can work up to 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for a maximum of 150 hours for the season. The pay rate is $9 per hour.

One detail: Kids under the age of 18 do need to get a work permit before June 1.

The application period for Learn & Earn is open now through June 3 for Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh residents who meet household income eligibility requirements.

Not sure if your kid qualifies? Check out the online application, call 412-932-2950, send an email to summer@partner4work.org or visit one of the Application Support Centers located throughout Allegheny County.

If you do visit in person, bring along the recommended documents (these include the student’s birth certificate, Social Security Card, report card or school record and household income statements). The program’s staff can help you find the right position for your enterprising teen.

The Application Support Centers also provide access to computers and scanners for your documents.  

There are opportunities for young adults, too: If you’re between the ages of 18 and 24 years old with prior work experience and a thirst for more knowledge, you can sign up for Learn & Earn’s Corporate Internship Program through April 1. This eight-week session matches participants with major corporations and community organizations in the area. Employees can work up to 30 hours a week, earning $12 per hour, with up to 16 hours of professional development. 

Want to learn even more about the program? Check out this video: