High school students living in Winter Park’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district have an opportunity to gain hands-on work experience through the 2024 Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP). Presented by the CRA and the Parks & Recreation Department, the program places participants in paid internships that also give back to the community.
“The SYEP allows students to obtain real-world experiences while promoting personal growth and understanding,” City Recreation Coordinator Allen Graham told the32789 in an email. “In addition to gaining work experience, we try to teach all the participants skills that include resume building, interview skills, and networking.”
Students interested in participating must reside within the CRA district boundaries and be a high school student between the ages of 14-18. Applicants are also required to submit written approval from a parent or guardian.
The SYEP program began in 2006 with approximately 15 students and eight nonprofits participating each year. Interns work for an eight-week period and all positions are paid a maximum of 20 hours per week. Duties vary according to the needs of each organization.
Winter Park Day Nursery Executive Director Ali DeMaria told the32789 that student interns placed at the school serve as teachers’ aides. “They are typically not old enough to be in charge of a classroom, but they are great at supporting the teachers and providing some extra one-on-one time with those students who need it,” she said. Additional nonprofits participating in the program include Welbourne Nursery and Preschool, the Winter Park Community Center’s Summer Camp Program, Winter Park Golf Course, and Winter Park Library.
“Interns assist with shelving library materials, completing inventory of library collections, book mending/processing, and staffing at some of our popular events,” said Winter Park Library Executive Director Melissa Schneider. “Our goal is to ensure that our interns gain valuable work experience that provide them with meaningful insights into the operations and workings of our library non-profit.” DeMaria and Schneider also said interns often return to fill part-time and full-time positions.
Applications are available in the Winter Park Community Center, located at 721 W. New England Ave., and all required paperwork must be submitted to the Winter Park Community Center by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
For more information, contact agraham@cityofwinterpark.org or call 407-599-3309. For information on the CRA, log onto cityofwinterpark.org/CRA.
The Parks and Recreation Department Summer Camp also begins May 28 and runs through Aug. 9. Families can register now at the Winter Park Community Center and registration will remain open until the camps are full. For more information on summer camp programs, log onto cityofwinterpark.org/camps or call 407-599-3275.