Students
Your Future Starts Now
What if you could build your resume, gain real-world experience, and get paid—all before high school graduation? With YouthWorks, you can.
YouthWorks is Central Iowa’s only year-long, paid internship program for high school seniors. It combines classroom learning, career training, and on-the-job experience into one powerful journey that helps you grow your confidence, your skills, and your future.
Whether you’re planning to go to college, start working, launch your own business, or figure things out one step at a time, YouthWorks is here to help you prepare.
What You’ll Gain
As a YouthWorks intern, you will…
-
Paid Internship
Work a real job and earn a paycheck
-
On-the-job Training
Train with mentors who guide and support your growth
-
Skills Development
Learn professional skills that employers value
-
Personal Development
Build confidence, purpose, and leadership
-
Future Plans
Develop a clear post-graduation plan
-
Build a Network
Make valuable industry connections
How It Works
Step 1
Apply in the Spring of Your Junior Year
You’ll then meet with a YouthWorks coordinator to explore whether the program is a right fit for you and will prepare you for a strong start to your senior year. YouthWorks is a competitive program for students who are ready to take initiative and grow.
Step 2
Kick Off Senior Year with Skills Training
You’ll begin with eight-weeks of training (part of your regular school schedule) diving into personal development, communication, tech and computer skills, resume building, and interviewing. You must attend all classes to move on to the internship.
Step 3
Intern at a Local Business
Work a paid, nine-month internship:
During the school year:
2–5 p.m., Monday–Thursday (12 hrs/week)
In the summer:
9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Thursday (32 hrs/week)
You’ll gain real-world experience and may explore different departments or specialize in one area.
Step 4
Grow with Mentorship and Support
You’ll be paired with a workplace mentor and meet weekly with the YouthWorks team to reflect, get support, and strengthen your skills.
Step 5
Celebrate Your Success
The year wraps up with a Capstone Presentation, where you’ll showcase what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown.
Step 6
Stay Connected
YouthWorks doesn’t end at graduation. Project Iowa continues to support students as they take their next steps—whether that’s postsecondary education, training, or entering the workforce. Alumni stay connected through guidance, resources, and encouragement, knowing they have a trusted partner alongside them as they grow.
Program Snapshot
Length
YouthWorks is 9 months long with classes and internships built into your school schedule.
Internship Hours
School Year:
12 hrs/week (Mon–Thurs, 2–5 p.m.)
Summer:
32 hrs/week (Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Competencies
Social-Emotional Intelligence, Work Ethic and Accountability, Career Exploration and Personal Vision, Professional Communication, Problem Solving and Adaptability, Technical and Digital Skills)
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
Be a high school junior (at a participating school)
Have at least a 2.0 GPA and 80% attendance
Be on track to graduate your senior year
Receive a counselor recommendation
Ready to Launch Your Future?
YouthWorks is more than a job—it’s your launchpad. Whether you’re college-bound, trade-school ready, or planning to jump into the workforce, this is your chance to build a solid foundation for whatever comes next.
