Q: How do I qualify for a summer job?
A: You must be a Polk County resident between the ages of 16-21 and meet eligibility requirements, including a review of your family income and size. Other eligibility requirements may apply. You must be 16-21 by the time of application (May 4th-11th).
Q: How do you select the youth that participate in the program?
A: Selection is based on all of the following criteria:
- Date of submission of application
- Whether you are economically disadvantaged (based on income and household size)
- Other categories, such as: homelessness, foster care resident, etc.
Q: How do I apply?
A: On Friday, May 4th at 8am there will be a link at the top of the page that will take you to the online application. Complete all required fields and submit your application. Eligibility will be partially based on date and time of application. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday, May 11th. Please Note: Once you start the application online you will NOT be able to save your work. We suggest you print the preview application and fill it out before you start your online application.
Q: What happens after I apply online in May, 2012?
A: All applicants will either receive an email indicating that they were not selected for the program or a phone call from staff to schedule appointments for eligibility and interview for May 16-23. The selection process will be completed by May 31, 2012. Please be patient and please do not call Polk Works to ask if you are in the program. You can always visit this website for updates.
In the meantime, you should begin gathering the documents that you will need IF you are selected to participate in the SYEP. These include:
- A Social Security card (If you need to apply, please note; it takes two weeks to receive your card)
- A current photo ID: We accept a Florida driver’s license, Florida ID, school ID only if you are under 18 years, US Passport or Alien Registration Card
- Provide proof of income for the last six months for your family
- Provide documentation of Polk County residency
Copies of these documents will NOT be accepted. You must present these documents at your eligibility appointment.
Again, the number of job positions we have are limited, but if you are selected to complete the second stage of the enrollment process, Polk Works will notify you of a date for your “Eligibility Appointment”. You must personally appear for this appointment and bring with you for the appointment all required documents. If you do not bring all the documents required to your Eligibility Appointment, it will delay the processing of your application and you may lose your slot.
Q: Is there a Dress Code?
A: Yes. We ask that all participants dress business casual for the eligibility interview and for all days of Orientation. When you receive your job assignment you will know the dress code of your particular worksite. Business Casual for Men consists of slacks, button down collared shirt tucked in or polo type shirts. No sneakers. Business Casual for Women consists of Dresses & skirts to the knees, pants, blouses. No low cut blouses, tight fitting clothing or mid drifts. No sandals or sneakers.
Q: Can any youth apply?
A: Any youth ages 16 – 21 (at time of application) may apply, but in order to become eligible for the program the youth and their household must meet certain income guidelines.
Q: Will there be a drug test and background screening?
A: Yes, before any youth will be admitted into the program they must pass a drug and FDLE background screening.
Q: How much will I make?
A: Each youth will be paid $8 an hour for up to 30 hours a week during the employment period of June 11th – August 10th.
Q: What types of job could I get?
A: The positions will be based on availability. Employers will include non-profits, for-profits, and government agencies.
Q: Anything else to know?
A: The application can be completed by the youth but anyone under the age of 18 is required to have the signature of parent or guardian at the time of drug and background screening.
Q: Can I apply if I have an arrest or conviction in my background?
A: An arrest or conviction does not automatically disqualify you from participating in the SYEP. Some worksites are not allowed to employ individuals with certain offenses but others are.
Q: What are the dates of the summer program?
A: The Summer Youth Employment Program begins with orientation on May 29- 31, 2012 and you will begin work starting June 11, 2012 and ending August 10, 2012. (You will have July 4 off.) The specific hours that you will work will depend on your individual Worksite assignment but for the most part you will work in the daytime or early evening hours.
Q: I still have questions, can I call someone?
A: Due to the large number of questions that are received regarding Summer Youth Employment we ask that you send an email to “Contact us” button on the Summer Youth Employment page of the Polk Works website.