Applications now available for SummerWorks jobs for workers ages 16 to 24 in Multnomah, Washington counties

April 13, 2017

Applications are now open for young people ages 16 to 24 to apply for summer jobs in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in Multnomah and Washington counties.

The deadline for SummerWorks positions is Monday, April 17. (Application available at summerworkspdx.org.)

Commissioner Loretta Smith, center, with past SummerWorks participants, Mamta Lal, left, and Miguel Becab, right.
The SummerWorks program provides young people with job experiences where they can learn critical workplace skills and a support network. The program primarily serves young people who are low income or at risk.

SummerWorks is a locally funded initiative sponsored by Multnomah County, Worksystems, Inc., the City of Portland, Washington County, the City of Beaverton, TriMet, Portland Public Schools, the Hillsboro School District, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and local private businesses.

“The program not only provides those young people with a job and a paycheck,” Commissioner Loretta Smith said, “it also provides them with a sense of accomplishment, a sense of self confidence that they can fulfill their potential.”

Additional information about the SummerWorks program:

  • In order to apply, students need to provide their full social security number and have a valid email address.
  • The application is available online only. Students who don’t have Internet access at home can access computers at school, the public library, or a local WorkSource Portland Metro Center.
  • Space is limited in the program. Completing an application does not guarantee a summer job.
  • Ramon Mercado, 16, is excited to take another step towards his dream career: being a teacher.
    Ramon Mercado is a former SummerWorks participant who worked at the Southwest Community Center in Portland.
    Most of the jobs start on Monday, June 26 and run until Friday, Aug. 25. There is some flexibility depending on the youth and the worksite.
  • College students who are Multnomah or Washington county residents may apply even if they live outside of the area.
  • Youth skills and interests will be assessed during Work Readiness Training. Based on this information, young people will be matched to worksites that best meet their skills and interests. Some employers may require that applicants interview for the position prior to starting work.
  • All participants in the 2017 SummerWorks Program will be paid the Oregon minimum wage of $11.25 per hour for a maximum of 180 hours. (The minimum wage in the Portland metro area increases from $9.75 to $11.25 per hour on July 1, 2017. SummerWorks will pay youth $11.25 per hour for the entire summer regardless of start date.)

For more information or to apply, visit: http://summerworkspdx.org.