As the 2025 Summer Youth Work Experience and Career Exploration program comes to an end, we’d like to celebrate the successes of nearly 60 local teens who gain valuable work experience this summer!
“Each year the summer programs continue to provide opportunities to students to learn crucial employment skills; whether it exploring their employment interests, volunteering in spaces of interest or paid work experience. With the skills learned by participating in these experiences, students are prepared to gain competitive work or attend colleges and post secondary programs,” shared Jacquie Owens, Summit DD Manager Community Supports & Development – School Age.
Each student had a skilled Direct Support Professional (DSP) on-site throughout the summer to help hone and develop their skills. DSP’s are absolutely essential to the success of these programs. Summit DD would like to thank Hattie Larlham, Weaver Industries, Total Education Solutions, and Resource Empowerment Center for making this program possible each day for the teens and young adults involved.
Summit DD Referral and Support Specialists (RSS), Service and Support Administrators (SSA), and Community Supports and Development staff also worked diligently to make sure the individuals were enjoying their work experiences while communicating essential information between the families, DSP’s, and employers.
The program begins with the Career Exploration component that enables students age 14 and 15 to participate in guided curriculum, informational interviews, and tours at employers and area colleges. The program was designed as an introduction to the world of employment and post-secondary opportunities.
Once the students reach the age of 16, they can transition into Summer Youth Work Experience component of the program. They receive real-world job experience and a paycheck to begin learning how to manage their finances.
Summit DD would like to thank the following employers, colleges and organizations that participated this year. Including Butcher & Sprout, Myers Tire, Mud Run Golf Course, Good Park Golf Course, House of the Lord, Fairfield Inn, Balch St Gym, Winking Lizard, City of Joy, Akron Zoo and Cafe Arnone.
Summit DD is a levy funded government organization that provides and coordinates essential services for more than 5,000 people with developmental disabilities throughout Summit County. Whether it’s early intervention services for a newborn child or retirement services for a senior citizen, Summit DD provides a lifetime of support for those eligible for our services.
