MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM/JOB AND CAREER READINESS TRAINING

THE MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (MYEP)

The Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) is a six-week paid work experience that offers high school students ages 16-18 the opportunity to explore careers, build real-world skills, and learn what professionalism looks like on the job, opening doors to future education and career opportunities. Students will work with one employer during this time for at least 25 hours/week, earning at least $13/hour. We partner with host employers across Charlotte’s private, public, and nonprofit sectors to offer meaningful, hands-on work experiences. By working with MYEP, businesses help young people set career goals, stay in school, succeed academically, and develop the social skills they need to thrive at work and in life.

MYEP VISION:
MYEP participants explore careers, hone skills, and gain exposure to models of professionalism, creating pathways to attainable career goals. As youth achieve, our community is strengthened.

MYEP provides career and professional development experiences to eligible and accepted youth through part-time internship or job placements. Host employers participate with the MYEP by offering positions that align with either an internship or job experience for MYEP-accepted youth.

When: Process for Summer 2026 Begins January 26th, 2026 and runs through February 18th, 2026. Summer 2026 MYEP Internship dates are June 22nd-July 31st.

Note: The MYEP cannot guarantee acceptance into the program or placement in a role that aligns with an applicant’s desired career choice. The MYEP strives to make mutually beneficial matches of applicants to Host Employers, considering the entire applicant pool and balancing multiple factors (such as a Host Employer’s needs, the applicant’s expressed career choice, the applicant’s skills, strength of application, location, access to transportation, etc.). Absent extenuating circumstances, a decision to opt-out of an internship or job placement is considered a withdrawal from the MYEP for the current cycle. The MYEP encourages all applicants to continue to seek out internship or job opportunities that are best for them. Youth may request to be placed on the Youth Programs Lists for information about upcoming Job Fairs hosted throughout the year.

MYEP Applicant Eligibility

MYEP participants are motivated high school students who are recommended to the program by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Career Development Coordinators (CDCs). 80-100 students will be accepted to this program. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for the program:

o Open to All eligible High School aged Charlotte Residents that:

o Will be at least 16 years old on or before April 15th, 2026

o Have a Social Security number

o Apply and Interview

o Pass a drug and background screening

Job and Career Readiness Training Process

MYEP Application

AK Application

MYEP Process

Step 1: Complete AK application as soon as possible. There are some questions that will help me with numbers for certain events.

Step 2: Complete MYEP Application by 2/18/26. Application Now Open!

Step 3: Complete Spark Hire Interview (More Information Coming Soon)

Step 4: Complete drug and background check (More Information Coming Soon

Other Key Dates and Helpful Tips

Resume Writing Link

Interview Tips

Interview Questions

Virtual Resume Writing Workshop (Teacher Workday)

When-January 23rd, 2026
Time-10:00 AM
Where- Microsoft Teams
Link to Register- Click Here

AK College and Career Fair and Application Assistance Day

When-February 3rd, 2026
Time-1-3
Where- AK Gym

ALL steps will need to be completed by the deadline in order for you to be considered. Updates Coming Soon

USE Personal Email

   o NO PARENT EMAILS
   o NO CMS/SCHOOL/COLLEGE Emails
   o Use an email address that you check regularly
   o Only provide 1 email address (be consistent)
   o Check your email address for typos (@gmial.com, @gmail.con)

Provide accurate contact information

   o Cell Number
   o Home Number
   o Parent/Guardian Phone numbers
   o Be sure that voicemail is set up and not full

Be sure date of birth is correct (The default is the year that we are in. Select the correct year, month, and day)
Enter correct parent/guardian information for two people that can be contacted in case we cannot reach you
Enter soft and technical skills

○ This information may be used to match you with an employer

Short Answer Responses

   ○ Be sure to answer questions thoroughly
   ○ Use at least 150 words
   ○ Be sure to answer the question that is being asked

Vacation/Time Away

   o Please let MYEP know of your summer plans
   o This will not excuse you from program requirements
   o You will need to prioritize the MYEP
   o You will need to seek approval for any time away
   o You will only be allowed to miss for special circumstances (for example Medical Situations,

Emergencies or other situations that are deemed a special circumstance)

Plan your application time

   o Do not wait until the last minute
   o Prepare yourself and your documents
   o Do not rush. This will assist with avoiding errors
   o Give appropriate time to all responses.

INTERVIEW (Spark Hire):
   ○ DO NOT PREPARE RESPONSES and READ THEM
   ○ Use the same email address used for application
   ○ Check your technology in advance
   ○ Practice interviewing with a friend
   ○ Dress appropriately, as if you were doing an in person interview
   ○ Be sure that there are no distractions
   ○ Be sure that lighting is appropriate
   ○ Give thorough responses

Background and Drug Screen Window:

Secure a Photo ID NOW!

   o Driver license, Driving Permits, State Issued ID cards, ACTIVE Passports, School issued ID
   cards with picture
   o Failure to have these items when you go to test will result in you being denied

Schedule your appointment early once instructions are sent

o Failure to schedule will lead to you not being allowed to test on the day that you show up

Enter your Social Security Number (This is the only number that is accepted. If you do not have an official social security number, then you will not be allowed to participate in the MYEP. ITIN and other numbers will not be accepted)
Use an email address that you check frequently to register for testing
Use your LEGAL NAME on all forms. This will assist with verifying your identity
Be sure that you are available on that date that you select for screening
Window to complete Background Check and Drug Screen

Offers and Placements (Dates Coming Soon)

Offers will include Virtual and In Person opportunities
Offers will be sent
Deadline to accept offer
Final roster will be shared
Program Kickoff June 22nd, 2026
Program Ends July 31st, 2026

Ardrey Kell

Virtual College &

Career Center (VC3)

MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM/JOB AND CAREER READINESS TRAINING

THE MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (MYEP)

MYEP VISION:
MYEP participants explore careers, hone skills, and gain exposure to models of professionalism, creating pathways to attainable career goals. As youth achieve, our community is strengthened.

MYEP Applicant Eligibility

Job and Career Readiness Training Process

Other Key Dates and Helpful Tips

MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM/JOB AND CAREER READINESS TRAINING

THE MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (MYEP)

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MYEP VISION: MYEP participants explore careers, hone skills, and gain exposure to models of professionalism, creating pathways to attainable career goals. As youth achieve, our community is strengthened.

MYEP Applicant Eligibility

Job and Career Readiness Training Process

Other Key Dates and Helpful Tips

MYEP VISION:
MYEP participants explore careers, hone skills, and gain exposure to models of professionalism, creating pathways to attainable career goals. As youth achieve, our community is strengthened.