Mayor Announces Summer Employment Opportunities in Mayor’s Youth Academy and Kings Dominion Partnership

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Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today a new partnership between the city’s Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) and Kings Dominion that will provide up to 100 city youth, ages 16-19, the opportunity to work at the amusement park this summer. Selected MYA participants will begin working at the park in April 2013 during their spring break and on weekends until summer vacation. Once school closes in June, selected MYA youth will work varying schedules throughout the summer months.

“I would like to thank Kings Dominion for investing in our city’s youth and their futures. Kings Dominion’s commitment to hiring 100 MYA participants is very significant as it allows Richmond youth a tremendous opportunity for summer employment,” said Mayor Jones. “The collaboration between MYA and Kings Dominion will permit youth to develop relationships with international youth, gain valuable work experience while earning income to save or spend in the local economy, and offer the potential for full-time careers with the park.”

“Kings Dominion’s partnership with the Mayor’s Youth Academy allows us to provide Richmond high school students with the opportunity to not only work at Kings Dominion but it also helps our local economy,” said Kings Dominion Vice President and General Manager Pat Jones. “This partnership also will provide those students with the opportunity to better their skills for the future.”

Transportation is essential to the success of this partnership as it enables selected youth access to the infinite employment opportunities at Kings Dominion. GRTC has confirmed that it will again operate its Kings Dominion shuttle services which will offer MYA youth a reliable source of transportation to and from the park. Mayor Jones stated, “Transportation was noted as the single-most reason why Richmond youth were unable to pursue summer employment with Kings Dominion in the past. This collaboration with GRTC is a welcome addition and has the potential of connecting more Richmond residents with the park for employment opportunities.”

MYA will accept applications beginning Tuesday, January 8, through Saturday, January 12.  Applications will be available to all Richmond Public High Schools and on the MYA website. Youth may also apply in person on Saturday, January 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MYA offices in the East District Initiative, 701 N. 25th Street. No applications will be accepted after 2 p.m. on January 12. Applicants for this program are required to participate in four pre-employment training sessions prior to being referred to Kings Dominion staff for interviews and placements.

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact the MYA office at 646-7480.