DeKalb unveils unprecedented summer jobs program for youths

More than 850 will learn + earn online

In response to the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, the DeKalb Summer Youth Employment Program has been transformed into the DeKalb Virtual Career Academy.

Registration for the program will be open May 8-14.

The program, which runs from June 1 to July 31, will provide career development, education enrichment and summer income for 850 DeKalb County youths, ages 14 to 24. Participants will earn $9 per hour while learning online for 20 hours a week, Monday through Thursday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has stifled America’s economy. The innovative partnership with the DeKalb County School District and Georgia Piedmont Technical College inspired us to reimagine our summer jobs program as a virtual career academy. By working together we have created much-needed employment and career development opportunities for our youth,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said.

Thurmond said while many of the nation’s summer jobs programs for youths have been cancelled due to COVID-19, DeKalb saw the crisis as an opportunity to prepare young people for the work force by paying them to learn skills for today’s jobs.

Thurmond was joined today in a virtual news conference to unveil the new program by DeKalb Schools Superintendent Ramona Tyson; Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Tavarez Holston and DeKalb County Commissioners Steve Bradshaw and Larry Johnson.

The DeKalb Virtual Career Academy (DVCA) is a cooperative effort by DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County School District, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, WorkSource DeKalb, and various public and private partners. The virtual curriculum will offer academic enrichment courses and life skills and job readiness training in a structured virtual learning environment. Additionally, motivational speakers will engage, educate and inspire participating youth.

While the primary mission of the DeKalb Summer Youth Employment program remains unchanged, the curriculum and service delivery strategy has been revamped in response to the COVID-19 economic crisis.

“The exposure to career exploration strategies will ensure that our interns are career-ready because they will have the knowledge and skills required to be successful.” DeKalb County School Superintendent Tyson said.

Academy interns may also earn credentialing credits in industries such as business technology, game design, website design, healthcare and education, while out-of-school youth will be provided General Equivalency Diploma (GED) instruction and counseling.

“Providing high school equivalency and GED test preparation training at no cost, in support of this endeavor, falls right in line with our mission of workforce development,” said GPTC President Holston. “When we work together, we are unstoppable.”

If needed, interns, will also receive “wrap around” services such as counseling and indirect financial assistance.

Curriculum delivery will mirror a traditional classroom setting and is aligned with the academic achievement levels of individual interns. DeKalb County Schools District’s VERGE, an established virtual platform, will track and document student progress.

To qualify for enrollment in the DVCA, a youth must be a DeKalb County resident aged 14-24. Applicants will be randomly selected to participate in the program.

Since 2017, more than 1,100 youth have participated in the DeKalb Summer Youth Employment Program.

To register or for more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/careeracademy.