Youth Employment in Parks
What is the Youth Employment in Parks (YEP) program?
The YEP program engages qualifying Juneau youth (ages 16-19) for 9 weeks in a supportive summer work experience focused on developing job skills and employment education. YEP is a partnership of the Zach Gordon Youth Center, Juneau Parks and Recreation and Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL). Youth Employment in Parks is funded through the City & Borough of Juneau and the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Disability Employment Initiative.
What do you YEP crews do?
On Fridays, YEP crew members come in for half a day of education and skills building. We typically have a guest speaker come speak to us about their business or career path. After the speaker finishes we work on building resumes, practicing interviews, and learning how to find job opportunities. On educational days, we also do recreational activities like kayaking, hiking, or going on a guided tour of the Treadwell Mine.
Who is eligible?
- Youth between the ages of 16 and 20
- Still enrolled in school
- With an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 plan
What job skills can I learn?
- Landscaping
- General Carpentry and Construction
- Hand and Power Tool Operation
- Trail Construction
- Leadership Skills
- Resume Writing
- Interview Skills
- How to find a job
What educational topics are covered?
- Edible and Medicinal Plants
- Local Alaska Native History
- Kayaking Safety
- Small Engine Basics
- Financial Literacy
- Career Exploration
How can interested teens apply?
Check back in the spring of 2022 for application information.
Have questions? You can contact Emma from SAIL at evannes@sailinc.org or by calling 888-487-0968 or Oliver from the Zach Gordon at oliver.price@juneau.org or by calling the Zach Gordon Youth Center at 907-586-2635.
