Counties across Maryland are continually seeking innovative ways to prepare young people for the workforce. Carroll County has a program that does this and strengthens connections with local businesses.

This year, Carroll County’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) matched 37 high school students with 18 local businesses, providing six weeks of real-world work experience in various industries, including technology, retail, and recreation. The program doesn’t just place kids in jobs; it builds confidence, career readiness, and community ties.

Key Points:

• No Cost to Businesses – The County hires and pays participants through grant funding, handling the paperwork, wages, taxes, and insurance.
• Career Prep Built In – Mock interviews, job fairs, skills assessments, and enrichment days ensured that participants left with both workplace and soft skills.
• Hands-On Experience for Youth – From warehouses to HR offices, students gained practical job skills and exposure to career pathways
• Future Workforce Development – Many businesses have gone on to hire participants long-term, proving this is not just a summer program but a pipeline for tomorrow’s workforce.

From the County press release:

“We are always excited to provide summer employment opportunities for our youth, a program that benefits both young workers and employers,” said Carroll County Workforce Development Manager Heather Powell. “This is an exciting initiative that positively impacts employment and career options for our youth.  We continue to appreciate all the businesses that work with us as we develop our future workforce!”