SummerWorks is a partnership of KentuckianaWorks, Blueprint502 and Louisville Metro Government.
Explore careers, develop soft skills, get job experience, and earn money in the summer
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Youth
Youth get an invaluable, even life-changing, opportunity to gain business experience and build skills.
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Employers
Employers benefit from the talent, energy and diversity of Louisville's youth, while strengthening our city's future.
Youth
If you're 16-21 years old and live in Jefferson County, we can help you get a quality job
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SummerWorks is a great opportunity to explore careers of interest, get real job experience, and develop professional references. Whether you’re trying to find your first job or one that advances you as a young professional, we are here to help!
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As a participant in this free program, you receive:
Information about job opportunities that align with your age, interests, and experience.
Tips, tools, and workshops on how to land a great job and be the kind of employee every boss wants
Help getting your resume and interviewing skills polished to show your best YOU!
Access to resources that help you decide what career you might want to pursue
Assistance learning about financial management and your paycheck
And much more!
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We will help you with every aspect of the hiring process, including fine-tuning your resume and getting prepared for job interviews.
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We partner with many employers large and small to offer a wide range of summer job opportunities. Register for SummerWorks and completing the Job Readiness training to start exploring.
Earn a paycheck
Gain valuable business experience
Shape your future education and career
Land a job that ties in with what you’re learning in school
What did summer interns have to say about their work experiences?
Hear from interns at TECC Boss, GE Appliances, the Little Loomhouse, the Louisville Science Pathways, and the Louisville Automation and Robotics Research Institute (LARRI).
“It really gave me an interest in neuroscience...I think I want to become a surgeon now.”
— Aicha, Central High School student
Employers
We connect private sector employers with motivated young talent (ages 16–21) ready to contribute to your business this summer and beyond
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We recruit and screen applicants — you choose who to interview and hire.
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Participants receive training in professionalism, communication, punctuality, and workplace expectations before they start.
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Job coaches check in throughout the summer to ensure a strong experience for both you and your intern.
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There is no fee to post a position and no obligation to hire.
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SummerWorks can help subsidize, or even fully cover, intern wages.
Build your future workforce with us
What to Expect
6–7 weeks (mid-June through early August)
Recommended minimum $15/hour
Many participants are interested in continuing employment beyond the summer, either in full-time roles or co-ops during the school year
Trusted by leading employers
GE Appliances • Kentucky Kingdom • MSD • UofL • Norton Healthcare • and many more!
“SummerWorks gave me experience I couldn’t get in school… it kickstarted my career”
— Sam, GE Appliances
A national model for youth summer jobs programs
SummerWorks participants are more likely to graduate from high school, go to college, and find employment after school.
Our Story
2011
With federal funding shrinking and Louisville's teen unemployment rate rising, Mayor Greg Fischer led the effort to make SummerWorks a city-funded program run by KentuckianaWorks, the region’s workforce development board.
2019
The Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS) found that SummerWorks participants are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college, and find employment after graduation than peers from similar backgrounds.
2020
While many cities cancelled their summer jobs programs due to COVID-19, SummerWorks placed a record 1,079 youth interns at 80 organizations across Louisville.
2022
SummerWorks was highlighted by Results for America as a national model for summer youth employment programs. The report cited the support of city leaders, businesses, and schools as key reasons for the program’s success.
2026
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg doubles down on SummerWorks and youth development, leading efforts to increase funding and provide more year-round job opportunities for young people throughout Louisville.
Backed by funders committed to the next generation
Louisville Metro Government • JPMorganChase • James Graham Brown Foundation • Jewish Heritage Fund • Ginkgo Fund
Summer jobs are so important: that one new connection you make, skill you learn, or perspective you gain - it can change your life.
— Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
