PDX Youth@Work & Summerworks
Paid experiences for young people ages 16 – 24.
327
590
youth work experiences from July 2024 – June 2025
112
260
Worksites provided work experience opportunities
Work Experience Inspires Youth, Connects Community, and Supports Employers
Work Experience Inspires YouthConnects CommunitySupports Employers
In 2009, Worksystems created SummerWorks—now expanded year-round and known as PDX Youth@Work—to connect young people with meaningful employment opportunities at regional businesses. The program has an unassailable track record of success, particularly in creating opportunities for youth facing social and economic challenges.
Since its inception, participants have:
Work Experiences through PDX Youth@Work and SummerWorks provide invaluable career exposure for young people through:
Key results
July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Current Work Experience Programs
Designed with youth in mind, this year-round paid work experience program gives participants invaluable career exposure through hands-on opportunities to explore the working world in a safe, supportive environment.
Designed to help youth explore diverse career pathways and build valuable skills in high-growth, high-wage sectors identified within the local economy, these tailored opportunities provide hands-on experience in thriving industries across the Portland region. Programs are designed to unlock potential and set youth on a path to success in flourishing fields including construction, clean energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.
A short-term employment and training program, designed to introduce youth to employers who will positively impact their futures. SummerWorks is a key component to creating the pipeline of homegrown talent that regional employers need to thrive and grow.
Summerworks success stories
In the summer of 2025, we hosted our own SummerWorks participant to help shape how we celebrate success. This campaign was designed and directed by young people for young people! Check out the success stories and fact sheets below. More to come by the end of October.
Double click on the image to read the full story.
Thank you to our youth work experience partners!
