Mayor Adrian Fenty’s 2008 Summer Youth Program will begin Monday, June 16 and end Friday, August 22.  Notification of work site assignments and orientation date are currently being issued by mail to the youth worker’s home address.  All notices should be received by Saturday, June 14, 2008. 

The Office of Youth Programs will be open on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist youth who have not received a work site assignment.  Should you have any questions, please call (202) 698-3991. 

Frequently Asked Questions
First Day of the Program
Failure to Report to Your Summer Assignment
Important Dates to Remember

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Q. Are we still accepting applications?
A. Yes. 

Q. I’m in your database from last year.  Why do I have to show you the same documents again this year?
A. Participant files must be updated every year. 

Q. Do I need a resume? 
A. The agency partners with private sector businesses to place high school seniors and college students in higher paying positions.  You must have a resume to be considered for one of these positions.  

Q. I live with one of my parents for 6 months (out of the District) and the other parent for the other 6 months (in the District) of the year.  Can I register?
A. Yes, if the parent who claims you pays District taxes. You must bring current documentation verifying this information (i.e. 1040 tax form.)

Q. I am a ward of the District but I live in Maryland.  Can I register?
A. Yes; however, you must provide a letter on official letterhead from your social worker  indicating that you are a ward of the court.

Q. Do I need a work permit to participate?
A. No, you do not need a work permit to participate in the District’s Summer Youth Program.

Q. I lost my receipt but I registered?  Am I in the system?
A. You must provide your name, social security number and the date you registered; we will do the necessary research and return your call within 48 business hours with a resolution.

Q. I attend a local college, but I am an out-of-state resident.  Can I register?
A. No, you must be a District resident to participate in the District’s summer program.

Q. I am a part of the out-of-school program.  Can I still register for a summer job?
A. No, because you are already being paid to participate in a year-round program.

Q. I’m pregnant, can I still work?
A. Yes, but if your worksite requires you to do manual labor or something that will jeopardize you or your unborn child’s health, we will transfer you to another site.

Q. Will I have to take a drug test? 
A. Yes, some of our worksites do require that you take a drug test.  

Orientation

Q. When will orientation notifications be mailed out?  Where will it be held?
A. Orientation letters as well as job assignments will be mailed by the end of the first week of June.  Orientation will be held this year at the Washington Convention Center.

Q. I can’t make orientation on my scheduled date.  Can I attend another date?
A. If you cannot make your scheduled orientation, you should contact the Office of Youth Programs at (202) 698-3492, as soon as possible, to be rescheduled.

Q. I attended orientation last year; do I have to attend orientation this year?
A. You will be paid to attend orientation this year.  In addition, you will receive a debit card to access your funds during orientation – no more EBT cards!

Q. If I have a job already, must I attend orientation?
A. Yes, you will receive your debit card at orientation.

Q. Are we still using EBT cards?
A. No, youth will receive a debit card to access their funds.

Debit Card

Q. Can my parent or guardian pick up my debit card?
A. No, only you can obtain your debit card at orientation.

Q. What happens if I lose my debit card?
A. You must call the Customer Service Number (1-866-795-3890) and provide your social security number and date of birth.  If asked for your address, indicate 625 H Street, NE. The first replacement card is free; however you will be charged $7.50 per card for any additional replacement cards. 

Pay Roll

Q. Do I get paid for holidays?
A. No, youth will only be paid for the days they work; however, you may make up missed holiday hours throughout the week.   

Q. Why does the rate of pay change in the middle of the program?
A. The federal law mandates the date which the minimum wage will change.

Q. I am a college student.  Will I still receive the same rate of pay?
A. Yes, unless you interview and are selected for a competitive job that will pay more.

Q. Is the rate of pay the same for all ages?
A. Yes.

Job Assignments

Q. When will I be notified about my summer job?
A. Summer job assignments will be mailed beginning the first week of June.

Q. Where am I going to work?  When will I be placed?
A. You will be notified by mail by the second week of June of your worksite and scheduled orientation date.  

Q. Can I change my worksite?
A. Worksite transfers will be granted for the following reasons:
1. medical – you must have a doctor’s note;
2. safety – you must have a police report; or
3. the site closes.

Q. May I choose my own work site?
A. No; however, if you are requested by a specific worksite it will be considered.

Q. May I work with my aunt or relative?
A. You may not work with your relatives.

Q. What if no one is at my work site?
A. Please contact your supervisor, if there is no response you may contact or come to the Office of Youth Programs located at 625 H Street, NE.

Q. What if my work site closes during the program?
A. Please report to the Office of Youth Programs at 625 H Street, NE, and we will do our best to transfer you to another site.

Q. Can I work part-time?
A. All summer jobs are part- time with the exception of some private sector jobs.

Q. How many hours can I work?
A. Youth 14 and 15 years of age work four (4) hours per day, 20 hours per week; youth 16 years of age and older work six (6) hours per day, 30 hours per week.

Q. If I turn 16 during the program, may I work more hours?
A. You can only work the number of hours based on your age at the start of the program.

Q. Will there be transportation for youth with special needs?
A. No, however youth will receive a small travel subsidy at the beginning of the program.

Q. My child has a special need, but I don’t want him/her placed at a special needs site.
A. The Office of Youth Programs only transfers for the following reasons: site closings, safety (with police report) and medical (with doctor statement).

Q. Will my child’s summer job be close to our home?
A. Only youth 14 and 15 years of age are placed at sites close to their homes when sites and openings are available.

Q. I’m going on vacation when the program starts.  Can I still work?
A. Yes, however, you must contact the supervisor, located on your worksite information, and work out your report date with him/her.

Q. What if I have to go to summer school?
A. You must contact you supervisor to see if he/she can accommodate your summer school hours.

Q. Is the Summer Bridge Program going to be a part of the summer youth program?
A. No, the Summer Bridge Program will not be a part of the summer program.

Q. Who pays my medical expenses if I get injured on the job?
A. All summer youth are covered by D.C. Workers’ Compensation.  If you are injured on the job please call 1-888-832-2524.

Q. Who do I report to if I’m being harassed?
A. If you feel that you are being harassed please contact the Office of Youth Program’s Service Center at (202) 698-3492 and we will research your claim.

Q. What if I get hurt during my lunch break?
A. The Department of Employment Services will only cover injuries that happened on the worksite.

Q. Can I keep my job after the summer program ends?
A. That depends on your supervisor; however, the organization would be responsible for paying you after the summer program.

First Day of the Program

On the first day of the program, you may be instructed to report to a mandatory orientation that will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center or your assigned worksite.   Regardless of which site you are scheduled to report, you must bring the notice sent to you in the mail along with a personal identification (picture identification, social security card or birth certificate).  You will not be allowed on the site without your notice and a form of identification.

Failure to Report to Your Summer Assignment

You are expected to report to your assigned work site on time for the duration of the program.  If you are unable to report to work, contact your supervisor(s) at least one hour before your reporting time.  You are only allowed three unexcused absences.

By law, the days and hours that you are allowed to participate in activities depends upon your age and the site assignment.  If you are 14 or 15 years old, you will be engaged in activities 4 hours each day, a maximum of 20 hours per week.  If you are between 16 and 21 years old, you will be engaged in activities 6 hours each day, a maximum of 30 hours each week. Please note: If you are 15 years old at the start of the program and will turn 16 after June 16, you will only be paid for 4 hours per day, not 6 hours.   Participants are not allowed to earn overtime.

Important Dates to Remember

Summer Youth Program Starts
Monday, June 16, 2008

Summer Youth Program Ends
Friday, August 22, 2008

1st Pay Date
Thursday, July 3, 2008
2nd Pay Date
Friday, July 18, 2008
3rd Pay Date
Friday, August 1, 2008
4th Pay Date
Friday, August 15, 2008
5th Pay Date
Friday, August 29, 2008
6th Pay Date
Friday, September 12, 2008