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1. Who is the program contact? – or – I missed a call or received a text from someone – who was it?

Dr. Bernard Williams, Coordinator for the Office of Education and Youth Services. His number is 901.222.2081 and his email is bernard.williams@shelbycountytn.gov. He will return calls within 48 business hours. 

2. What is the website address where I apply and when can I apply?

Apply at https://shelbycountytn.gov/mswe from Tuesday, January 24th – Friday, February 24th 

3. How many positions are you hiring for?

We are hiring for 50 participants. 

4. What are the dates of the program?

Monday, June 5, 2023 – Friday, July 28, 2023. A mandatory paid orientation will be required in May, which selected participants will get details about during notification phone calls (and it will also be posted on the website). 

5. How do you select who gets a job placement?

We take all of the eligible applications and conduct a random lottery. 

6. What does the program pay?

Pay is $15 per hour, with a $100 bonus for perfect attendance. Participants are paid twice a month. You must have a checking account in YOUR NAME. All payments will be Direct Deposited into that account. 

7. Where will I be working/where are the sites I could be placed for the summer?

Participants will be placed in Shelby County Government offices and area nonprofits. In most cases, we do not match participants by preference. You are welcome to share your preferences on the application in your response to the last question on the form. However, we do not make any promises for preference requests due to the volume of hosts and applications. 

8. What are the hours of the program?

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Lunch is a one hour and unpaid. Friday is a half day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants can expect to work approximately 32 hours per week. 

9. How will I get notified if I get a spot in the program? Do I have to confirm with someone?

Applications close on Friday, February 24th. During late February and early March, the Mayor’s office will be calling and texting the names selected in the lottery to participate. Selected participants will have 48 hours to respond to the Office of Education and Youth Services or we will call the next eligible name on the list. 

10. Will I get notified if I don’t get a spot in the program?

No. The final list of names will be on the "For Participants" website on the "Participants Jobs" page no later than April 28th, 2023.

11. Is it possible that spots will open up later this spring or after the program begins?

Yes, and we’ll pull names from our alternative list, which will be posted no later than March 31st. If an applicant’s name is not on the alternative list, it is highly unlikely they will receive a spot at any point for this summer. 

12. Do I have to have a high school diploma or GED?

Yes – or – you must be currently enrolled in high school or a GED equivalent program. 

13. I don’t have a college degree and I’m not enrolled in any education programs. Can I still apply?

Yes, if you have a high school diploma or GED (or currently enrolled in an accepted educational program), and you’re between the ages of 18 and 24 (and will not turn 25 before July 24th) you should still apply. 

14. I applied for Shelby County Board of Commissioners program “Summer Youth Program 2023.” Can I still apply for the Mayor’s program?

Yes. To increase your chances of getting a job this summer you should apply to both if you meet the application requirements. 

15. I am a student at a college or university on a student visa am I eligible for work?

Check with your international student office.