Mayor's Youth Academy Now Accepting Applications for 2015 Summer Employment Opportunities

The Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) is now accepting applications for the 2015 MYA Summer Employment programs. MYA is accepting applications for all programs, now through Monday, March 23. Visit www.RichmondGov.com/MayorsYouthAcademy to apply online. In person applications will be accepted Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the MYA offices in the East District Initiative, 701 North 25th Street, or call 646-7480 to schedule a special appointment. Youth must prove city residency when applying.

“In 2014, more than 450 youth were engaged in the MYA program with 89% of MYA graduates going on to attend two and four year colleges and universities,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “I strongly encourage our city’s youth and their parents to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity for summer employment. The collaboration between MYA and our community business partners provides city youth the opportunity to develop relationships with international youth, gain valuable work experience while earning income to save or spend in our local economy, and offers the potential for full-time careers.”

Launched by Mayor Jones in 2010, MYA offers job readiness career development and summer internships to city youth aged 13 through 19 years. Summer work experiences have included internships in the Governor’s Office, Department of Aviation, Pfizer, the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Dominion, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to name a few. The MYA Junior program will be offered again this summer to middle school youth to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related experiential learning opportunities and age appropriate introduction to STEM vocations and careers. Career exploration through the arts is available through the Life Stage program, and child care provider internships are also available through the Counselor in Training program.

The mission of MYA is to provide development opportunities to youth throughout the city to include: job readiness training, leadership development, exposure to entrepreneurship, mentoring and post-secondary career exploration. Selected youth will receive real work experience and gain skills necessary for future employment.

For additional information regarding this youth summer employment opportunity, please contact the MYA office at (804) 646-7480 or visit www.RichmondGov.com.