Youth Employment and Training
We're working to help Oakland Youth find a job this summer. There are resources for both youth job-seekers and businesses looking to hire youth.
Are you an employer looking to hire a young person this summer? Visit our Businesses: Hire Oakland Youth this Summer page.
Mayor Barbara Lee, in partnership with the Oakland Workforce Development Board (OWDB), Oakland for Children and Youth (OFCY), and the Oakland Children's Initiative (OCI), is proud to support the Mayor's Summer Employment Program (MSYEP).
MSYEP helps Oakland youth ages 14-21 explore careers, build job skills, and earn money through paid summer work experiences. Whether it's your first job or you're looking to gain new experience, this program connects you to opportunities across the city through local community organizations and employers.
For over 40 years, the City of Oakland and its partners have worked together to create meaningful summer job opportunities for young people-- especially for those who may not have had access to work experience before. MSYEP focuses on supporting youth from across Oakland, with priority for those living in East, Central, and West Oakland.
The following organizations have been selected to provide Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program services for Summer 2026. Through these partnerships, youth participants will have access to paid work experiences, career exploration opportunities, workforce readiness training, financial literacy education, and supportive services.
Video Overview of Hire Oakland Summer Youth Employment Program
How to Apply
Interested youth and families should contact the provider serving their area or age group directly to learn about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and available summer opportunities. Space is limited and participation is subject to program availability.
Questions? See the Frequently Asked Questions section below!
Alameda County Office of Education
Green Careers Guidance Initiative – Graduate Employment in the Trades (GCGI – GET)
Summary: ACOE’s Skilled Trades and Green Career Guidance Initiative provides expert guidance for high school seniors and recent graduates seeking careers in the trades, emphasizing green jobs. Currently we support graduates into and through summer and fall technical training programs.
UPDATE as of June 18, 2026: Recruitment for Summer 2026 is now closed. Inquires will be responded to for opportunities for next summer 2027.
Website: https://www.acoe.org/gcgi
Student Interest Form: https://share.hsforms.com/1YJgoTHceQQ2fXCTtRgw3nQs65qc
Employer Interest Form: https://share-na2.hsforms.com/18Y61kT80S1yN7IRvPzqEugs65qc
Contact: Greg Cluster – Career Education Director - gcgi@acoe.org | (510) 670-4595
Destiny Arts Center
Destiny Works at Camp Destiny
Summary: Destiny Works at Camp Destiny serves Oakland teens through a combined 100-hour leadership training and paid job experience program. Participants—primarily high school–aged youth from Oakland— will complete 20 hours of counselor training, followed by 80 hours of hands-on job experience at our Lodestar campus in East Oakland.
Website: https://destinyarts.org/
Contact: info@destinyarts.org | (510) 597-1619
Lao Family Community Development, Inc.
Oakland Youth on the Move (YOM) Summer Program
Summary: The Youth on the Move (YOM) Summer Jobs Program serves Oakland youth ages 16–21 with comprehensive job readiness workshops, financial literacy training, individualized career coaching, mock interviews, and up to 100 hours of paid work experience.
Website: https://lfcd.org/
Contact: (510) 533-8850
Rising Sun Center for Opportunity
Climate Careers
Summary: Climate Careers® engages youth from low-income backgrounds in becoming stewards of clean energy in their own communities by employing them in summer jobs providing residential energy- and water- efficiency- 5 services to local homes.
Website: Climate Careers® - Rising Sun Center for Opportunity
Contact: info@risingsunopp.org | (510) 665-1501
Soccer Without Borders
Summer Youth Leadership Program
Summary: SWB's Summer Youth Leadership Program prepares high-school–aged immigrant and newcomer youth to serve as coaches, mentors, and role models for younger participants in SWB's free summer soccer and educational programs. Youth leaders develop skills in coaching, communication, leadership, and community-building while gaining hands-on experience supporting elementary and middle school students. Soccer Without Borders uses soccer as a vehicle for belonging, education, and positive youth development, with all programs offered free of charge to participants.
Website: Soccer Without Borders | SGBC 2025 - About SWB
Contact: Ye-Htet Soe |ye-htet@soccerwithoutborders.org | (510) 859-4886
Trybe, Inc.
Trybe Summer Youth Employment
Summary: Trybe’s Youth Employment and Summer Jobs programs provide 100 hours of high-quality, paid, work experience during summer months to support youth and Transitional Aged youth in gaining awareness of job and career options and access to improved financial stability in East Oakland.
Website: Trybe - Home
Contact: info@oaklandtrybe.org | (510) 985-9915
Youth Employment Partnership
YEP Summer Career Tryout/Summer Rising (CTO/SR)
Summary: Career Tryout/Summer Rising is a paid summer job program for Oakland youth ages 14-18 that spans neighborhoods, bridges transition from middle to high school, and bridges all youth to the next school year. From June 1-Sept. 30, youth from high priority neighborhoods complete job readiness and financial literacy training, career exploration, and 100 hours of work experience.
Website: Oakland Summer Job Application 2026 - The Youth Employment Partnership, Inc.
Contact: (510) 533-3447
Youth UpRising
YU Summer Jobs Program
Summary: This summer, Youth UpRising is launching YU Summer Jobs Program - a powerful career-accelerator program right here in East Oakland, providing local youth (ages 14-21) with a direct pathway to economic opportunity. Over 4 to 6 weeks, participants will complete 100 hours of fully paid professional development, including 20 hours of intensive, foundational job-readiness training followed by 80 hours of real-world, hands-on work experience at YU and with local partner employers. By equipping our young people with essential workplace skills today, YU Summer Jobs isn't just filling positions; we are positioning East Oakland's next generation of leaders for lifetime career readiness and sustainable economic success.
Website: www.youthuprising.org
Contact: 510-777-9909 | Skyler Noble - snoble@youthuprising.org
YouthBeat
Summary: YouthBeat’s Summer Youth Media Careers Program provides paid summer employment, training, and career coaching for low-income Oakland youth ages 16–21, plus a career and financial literacy conference (Media & Money Conference) serving 100+ students. Apprentices work June–September at YouthBeat PRO, OUSD Communications, and local creative employers, earning wages while gaining industry skills, mentorship, and support to launch their post-high-school careers.
Website: YouthBeat
Contact: (510) 922-0060
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We know participants and families may have questions about the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. Click on the sections below to find answers to common questions about eligibility, enrollment, work experiences, and program expectations.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please email OWDB@oaklandca.gov and use the subject line: MSYEP Question.
📂 General Program Information
What is the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP)?
MSYEP is a summer employment program that helps young people gain work experience, explore career interests, develop workplace skills, and earn income through paid summer work opportunities. The program is supported by the City of Oakland and delivered through partner organizations across the city.
Who is eligible to participate in MSYEP?
Eligibility requirements vary by provider and program. In general, MSYEP serves youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Interested applicants should review the requirements of each provider for specific eligibility information.
Do I need to live in Oakland to participate?
Yes. MSYEP is intended to serve Oakland youth and young adults. Individuals who do not reside in Oakland are not eligible to participate in MSYEP. However, some participating providers may offer other employment or youth development programs that serve non-Oakland residents. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact providers directly to learn about additional opportunities.
How old do I have to be to apply?
MSYEP serves youth ages 14 through 21. Some providers may serve specific age ranges within this group.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
No. There is no cost to apply for or participate in MSYEP.
📂 Applications and Enrollment
How do I apply for MSYEP?
Interested youth should contact or apply directly through one of the participating providers listed on this page. Each provider manages its own application and enrollment process.
When is the application deadline?
Application deadlines vary by provider. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as program spaces may be limited.
What documents will I need to provide during enrollment?
Documentation requirements vary by provider but may include proof of age, proof of residency, identification, work authorization documents, and other enrollment forms.
Can I participate if I was in the Summer Youth Employment Program last year?
In most cases, yes. Youth who participated in a Summer Youth Employment Program in a previous year may apply for MSYEP. However, eligibility requirements may vary by provider, and some organizations may establish additional participation criteria.
What happens if program slots are full?
Provider capacity is limited and some programs may fill quickly. Providers may maintain waitlists or offer referrals to other opportunities, but waitlist procedures vary by organization. Applicants should contact providers directly for information about availability and next steps.
📂 Employment and Work Experience
Will I be paid for participating in the program?
Yes. Participants who are enrolled in eligible work experience activities will receive compensation according to program guidelines and provider requirements.
How much will I be paid?
Participant wages vary by provider and position. At a minimum, participants will earn Oakland's applicable minimum wage. Providers will share wage information and payment details during the enrollment process.
How many hours can I work?
MSYEP participants may work up to 100 hours during the summer program period. Some providers may offer additional employment, training, or workforce opportunities beyond MSYEP based on funding availability, eligibility requirements, participant performance, and program capacity.
What types of jobs or work experiences are available?
Work experiences may be available in a variety of industries, including public service, community organizations, education, technology, healthcare, arts and culture, recreation, environmental programs, and other career pathways.
Will I be assigned to a worksite or can I choose my placement?
Placement processes vary by provider. While providers may consider participant interests and career goals, worksite assignments are based on availability and program requirements.
Do I need previous work experience to participate?
No. MSYEP is designed to support youth with varying levels of work experience, including participants seeking their first job!
Will I receive job readiness training before starting work?
Yes. Providers incorporate job readiness training that may include workplace expectations, communication skills, resume development, interview preparation, financial literacy, and professional behavior.
📂 Parents, Guardians, and Providers
Can parents or guardians help youth complete the application?
Yes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to support youth throughout the application and enrollment process, particularly for younger participants.
Which organizations are providing MSYEP services for Summer 2026?
A list of participating providers is available on this webpage. Interested applicants should contact providers directly for information about available opportunities and eligibility requirements.
How do I know which provider I should apply to?
Applicants should review the provider and program descriptions and information on this page, visit the provider’s website, or contact the provider directly to determine which opportunities best match their age, interests, and location.