by Staff Writer
Carroll County Economic Development and Carroll County Workforce Development (CCWD) have announced the successful completion of the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which provided job placements for local youth aged 16 to 18.
This summer, 37 students were placed at 18 different businesses across the county for six weeks. Participants gained hands-on experience in a variety of fields, including retail, recreation, technology, human resources, warehousing, and office administration.
The program is fully funded through grants, with Carroll County Government handling all employment logistics, including wages, taxes, and insurance. Businesses, in turn, received motivated, no-cost workers and contributed to shaping the future workforce.
“This is an exciting initiative that positively impacts employment and career options for our youth,” said Heather Powell, Workforce Development Manager. “We continue to appreciate all the businesses that work with us as we develop our future workforce!”
In addition to job placements, the program incorporated several enrichment and career-readiness activities. Youth participants engaged in five professional development days designed to build both soft and professional skills essential for workplace success. Throughout the summer, five local business leaders also participated in panel discussions, offering real-world insight and guidance to the students.
To help participants explore their career interests, 29 students completed CareerScope Assessment Profiles, which assess aptitudes and interests to guide future planning. Another 32 youth attended a job fair to interact with local employers, while 28 took part in mock interviews to practice and refine their communication and presentation skills.
A college intern was also hired to support the program’s operations this year, providing an additional layer of mentorship and coordination.
Student feedback showed strong support for the program’s impact. A large majority—89%—reported that the mock interview session was one of the most valuable components. Additionally, 83% said they felt more prepared for real interviews, and 87% stated they felt more confident and equipped for future jobs.
CCWD continues to support youth employment year-round. For more information, visit www.carrollworks.com, email info@carrollworks.com, or call 410-386-2820 and ask about youth services.
Carroll County Workforce Development operates as part of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development and administers the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act. The office is supported by federal, state, and local resources. For Program Year 2025, CCWD received $1,560,810.74 in federal funding, which makes up 55.14% of its total funding. CCWD is a proud partner in America’s Job Network and offers services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
