MANSFIELD – Catalyst Life Services, in partnership with Richland County Job and Family Services (RCJFS), is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Summer Youth Program.
This initiative, funded by the Richland County Commissioners, is designed to provide local youth with valuable work experience while earning a competitive wage and receiving essential job training. The program will run from May 1 to Aug. 31.
The Summer Youth Program will offer participants the opportunity to earn $12 per hour, with a maximum of 20 hours of work per week over a 10-week period.
Youth participants will have the opportunity to work in a wide range of fields, including customer service, maintenance, recreation, office support, retail, food service, summer camps, fitness/art centers, and more.
A few exciting updates for this year include early application availability and an expanded program designed to serve 175 youth.
Stephanie Jakubick, Assistant Director of Vocational Services at Catalyst Life Services had this to say when asked about updates over previous program years:
“This year, we are making applications available earlier to allow time for eligibility processing,” Jakubick said. We are also excited to increase the number of participants.
“Our goal was to expand the program to offer more opportunities for youth to gain work experience and develop their skills. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that youth in need of work experience, regardless of their circumstances, have access to this valuable opportunity.”
The program will provide work attire and transportation assistance to ensure all participants have the resources they need to succeed. In addition, youth will gain valuable skills through training in financial literacy, budgeting, and soft skills, setting them up for long-term success.
Electronic applications and an interest form will be available starting Feb. 1 on the Richland County Job and Family Services website. 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program – Online Application
Jakubick stresses completing the application and submitting the required documentation as soon as possible.
“We anticipate receiving hundreds of applications and applications will be processed in the order in which they are received with an emphasis given toward youth ages 14 and 15, youth who have not previously participated and youth who are involved with Richland County Children Services, Richland County Juvenile Court, and Richland County Youth and Family Council,” Jakubick said.
“We want to ensure that our most vulnerable youth have the opportunity to participate.”
To be considered, participants must complete the interest form and PRC application, and provide verification of income, a photo ID, birth certificates for the youth applicant and applicable household members, as well as Social Security numbers for all individuals residing in the household.
Catalyst is seeking additional local businesses to partner with in providing work opportunities for youth.
These businesses will play a key role in training and mentoring the next generation of workers.
If you are a business interested in hosting a youth worker or have any questions about the Summer Youth Program, please contact Jessicca Berry at berryj@catalystlifeservices.org or call 419-774-2254 for more information.