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About Durham YouthWorks

Learn. Discover. Achieve.

Durham YouthWorks helps young adults build essential skills and discover career opportunities with leading employers through summer employment.

Virtual and in-person opportunities
Develop critical skills and experience
Discover Careers
Earn money for participating (Participants can earn over $880 if they complete Parts 1 & 2)
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Get Prepared Guide

YouthWorks Application window has closed

Summer 2026 Program

The Durham YouthWorks Summer program will provide a paid opportunity for youth and young adults to learn work readiness and career skills. 

Fast Facts:

Ages 14 - 21 as of June 30, 2025
Durham City or Durham County resident
Must have a work-appropriate email address that they check on a regular basis
Participation is determined by lottery

Documents

Durham YouthWorks Timeline

Questions? Contact YouthWorks@DurhamNC.gov
  • January 23 – February 21, 2026

    Phase 1: Apply

    Program Interest Application Open

    • Youth must apply by the deadline
    • Late applications are not accepted

  • Phase 2: Selection & Orientation

  • Late February 2026
    • Eligibility review and lottery selection

    • Selected participants notified by email
  • March 3rd and 4th 2026

    Required Virtual Orientation (6–8 PM)

    • Attendance is mandatory

  • Phase 3: Workforce Training (Part 1)

  • March & April 2026

    Required In-Person Sessions & Workshops

    • Includes vendor registration support
    • Dates provided directly to participants
  • March 1 – May 1, 2026

    Metrix Learning Online Training (40 hours)

    • Training is self-paced
    • All required modules must be completed to earn a full stipend
  • April 6, 2026


    In-Person Session + Job Fair

  • May – June 2026

    Phase 4: Stipends & Next Steps

    Part 1 stipend payments processed

    • Full stipend for full completion
    • Partial stipend for partial completion

    Participants considered for Part 2 opportunities

  • Phase 5: Work-Based Learning (Part 2)

  • June – July 2026


    In-Person and Virtual Placements Begin

    • Schedules vary by placement type
    • Timesheets required for paid placements
  • June 19 & July 3, 2026

    City Holidays (Unpaid)

  • July 31, 2026

    Program Wrap-Up

    Durham YouthWorks program ends

Voices of Impact

The true measure of YouthWorks’ success comes directly from the voices of those who experienced it firsthand. These testimonials showcase the transformative power of our program across participants, supervisors, and community partners.

Youth Transformation

“This program helped me understand how to be professional in a real job setting. I feel more prepared for my future.”

— Youth Participant, In-Person

Career Discovery

“I loved working with kids and seeing what it’s like to have a job that actually makes a difference.”

— Youth Participant, In-Person

Essential Skills

“I learned how to present myself, how to write a resume, and how to interview. I didn’t know how important that was until now.”

— Youth Participant, In-Person

Future Pathways

“Before YouthWorks, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Now I’m thinking about a career in healthcare.”

— Participant placed with Duke Health

Supervisor Excellence

“Our intern came in ready to contribute from day one. They were engaged, professional, and a joy to work with.”

— Site Supervisor, City Department

Partnership Pride

“YouthWorks gave us the opportunity to mentor a future leader. We’re proud to be part of this pipeline for talent.”

— Community Partner Organization

Impact Numbers

Empowering Durham’s youth through transformative workforce development experiences that build skills, confidence, and community connections.

Participants Placed

Young people gaining valuable work experience across Durham's diverse employment landscape.

Partner Sites

Diverse placement opportunities spanning community organizations and city departments.

Training Hours

Comprehensive workforce readiness preparation completed before workplace placement.

Program Weeks

Intensive hands-on work experience building professional skills and confidence.

Our Incredible Community Partners

Ready to Contribute from Day One: These placements represent the culmination of over 40+ hours of comprehensive workforce readiness training. By the time participants arrived on-site, they were equipped with professional skills, workplace etiquette, and the confidence to make meaningful contributions to their host organizations.

Boys & Girls Club of Durham @2x-100
Boys & Girls Club of Durham - Youth development and mentorship
Duke Health@2x-100
Duke Health - Healthcare exposure and medical field experience
The Bull City Woodshop@2x-100
The Bull City Woodshop - Hands-on craftsmanship and trade skills
Durham Center for Senior Life@2x-100
Durham Center for Senior Life - Intergenerational programming and care
Durham Nativity School @2x-100
Durham Nativity School - Educational support and tutoring opportunities
Kidznotes Inc.@2x-100
Kidznotes Inc. - Music education and arts programming
NCCU BRITE Program @2x-100
NCCU BRITE Program - University collaboration and academic enrichment
Salvation Army Youth Center@2x-100
Salvation Army Youth Center - Community service and outreach initiatives
WestEnd Community Foundation (Camp Calvary)@2x-100
WestEnd Community Foundation (Camp Calvary) - Youth camp leadership and recreation
City Manager's Office 2@2x-100
General Services Cultural & Public Arts 2@2x-100
Neighborhood Improvement Services 2@2x-100
Parks & Recreation 2@2x-100
Soil & Water Conservation District 2@2x-100
Technology Solutions 2@2x-100
Partner With Us

Durham YouthWorks FAQs

Program Basics

  • What is Durham YouthWorks?

    Durham YouthWorks is a paid youth employment and workforce development program funded by the City of Durham. The program provides young people with career readiness training, work-based learning experiences, and paid opportunities to gain real-world skills and exposure to different industries.

Program Selection & Placement

Part 1: Training & Orientation

Payments, Stipends & Banking

Vendor Registration & Paperwork

Part 2: Work-Based Learning

Communication & Support