GENERAL
When does the WorkReady Summer programs start and end?
The program begins in July and runs for 6 weeks through August. The program dates this year are July 10, 2023 through August 18, 2023.
I would like to know about the different positions available for youth
Youth interns have access to several types of positions. Placements largely depend on interests, work experience, where youth live and which worksites are located in that area. Both large and small businesses and community organizations participate in hosting youth interns. Job placement opportunities vary across multiple industries including health & medicine, colleges & universities, hospitalities, fashion, beauty, retail, law, and many others.
What is the deadline for youth and worksites to complete all required applications and submit required documents?
ENROLLMENT
Once I fill out my online application, what happens next?
I have completed my online application and enrollment packet; does this mean I will be placed in a program?
All applications must be approved by the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). We make every effort to find opportunities for as many young people as possible. Submitting a complete application as early as possible gives the youth the best chance for placement. However, due to the overwhelming demand for summer employment, placement in a program is not guaranteed. You will receive confirmation once you have been approved and placed at a worksite.
My child successfully submitted the online WorkReady application, but we didn't initially use a UAC referral code. How do we edit or add referral codes?
Do I have to re-apply if I worked for WorkReady last year?
Yes, all participants are required to submit a new application each year. If you would like to work for the same worksite that you worked for in the previous year, we recommend you contact that worksite so they can request you to work with them this summer. We will make every effort to fulfill requests but there are no guarantees.
I have a work permit from last summer; do I need to get a new one?
If you have your work permit (the blue card) from last summer, it is still valid and will be valid until you turn 18. If you’ve lost your blue work permit card, you will need to obtain a new one. Students can contact our office at 215-851-1800 or summeryouth@uac.org for assistance.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Are applicants chosen based on their income? Do I need to meet income guidelines?
The WorkReady program is designed for youth who are low-income (regardless of their family’s income).
Income level is recorded on the online application, the initial step in the process for signing up for the program. Applicants who fall within the income range will be able to continue through the application process. Those applicants who fall outside of the income range will be self-selected out, based on program qualifications.
To qualify, you must be a Philadelphia resident, within the age limits listed above, eligible to work in the U.S. and the annual income of your household cannot exceed the amounts listed below based on 2019 data:
Household Size – Annual Income Limit
1 – $25,592
2 – $34,569
3 – $43,546
4 – $52,523
5 – $61,500
6 – $70,477
7 – $79,454
8 – $88,431
9 – $95,951
10 – $104,928
For families with more than 10 people, add “$8,789 for each additional person.”
Those households who qualify for TANF are typically eligible. Also, youth between the ages 18 and 21 may qualify under certain circumstances.
Who is eligible for WorkReady summer programs?
In order to participate in the WorkReady Summer program, you must be a Philadelphia resident between the ages of 14 and 18 and eligible to work in the U.S. Additional eligibility requirements may be enforced by different program models.
My child will be 14 on July 1, this year; can they apply for WorkReady?
The program requires each youth intern to be 14 years of age at the start of the program and/or before the close of enrollment. You would need to provide us with a working permit before the end of our enrollment period on May 31.
SCHEDULING & PAY
What is the Pay Rate? How many hours will I work?
The Program allows each participant to work up to 120 hours over a 6-week period.
The pay rate for Work Experience (WRS59) is $11.00 per hour.
When and how are work schedules determined?
The program lasts for 6-weeks. The current program does not operate in June or late August. Youth interns who are selected and placed in a summer job are expected to complete their 120 hours of paid work within the 6-week program timeline.
We defer to the worksite supervisors to help create schedules for their youth workers. Typically, our summer youth interns work 4-hour shifts each day between 9AM and 5PM. However, it is important to acknowledge that some worksites may expect a longer workday and others may expect earlier start times. Daily and weekly shifts are therefore determined between the worksite and youth at the start of the program. Ultimately, we want each youth intern to reach the maximum 120 work hours over the 6-week program.
OTHER
How can I get a copy of my child's W-2 from a previous year?
Do I need to keep my work permit on me at all times?
No, you do not need to carry your work permit with you at all times. The work permit is required as certification during the in-person enrollment session. All applicants will need to have an up-to-date work permit and present this at the time they come into an enrollment session to fill out all required documents. Once you are approved, it is suggested that you keep the work permit at home or in a safe place.
Can we choose a specific job location or section of the city?
Typically, WorkReady youth do not choose their worksite. Staff considers numerous factors when matching and placing youth at worksites, including youth interests, work experience, and worksite proximity to home.
If you know what kind of work you want to do over the summer, let us know! Even better, if there is a place you know of and/or have a working relationship with (say, you’re already volunteering in a position with a business or nonprofit), please reach out to them and have them contact us! You could continue your position at that business and get paid through the WorkReady program.
If a youth applicant’s background check comes back with a record found, will they still be eligible for summer employment?
While we can’t guarantee any applicant a summer position, records found on a youth background check does not necessarily exclude a participant from summer employment. The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN), who manages the city-wide WorkReady program, will intake all clearances and indicate if records found preclude the applicant to work at childcare work-sites. If this is the case, the applicant will be added to a waitlist to be placed at a work-site that does not involve childcare. PYN will take all records found on a case by case basis; in very rare instances will found records cause outright exclusion from participating in the summer program.