DeKalb Virtual Career Academy Participants Earn Boost in Pay

Youth who participated in the 2021 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy are getting a pay raise.

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners have announced an increase in pay from $9 to $10 per hour for interns and $9 to $12 per hour for lead interns. The participants will receive the increase for their last two pay periods.

“By all accounts the 2021 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy class has exceeded all expectations in terms of focus, achievement and career preparation,” said CEO Thurmond said. “They have earned not only an increase in pay, but also our admiration and appreciation.”

Approximately 623 youth participated in the five-week program which ran from June 7 through July 9, 2021. This is the fifth year the county has held the annual summer jobs program, run by WorkSource DeKalb.

DVCA is a unique collaborative partnership between the DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County School District, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), WorkSource DeKalb, public/private partners and community resource agencies.

The primary focus of DVCA is to close achievement gaps, offer counseling and support to youth and their parents, and provide a positive alternative career experience during the summer months.

The academy features six virtual components in its creative design: academic enrichment, academic counseling and support, career preparation training, credentialing training, GED preparation, and motivational/empowerment training.  

For more information about WorkSource DeKalb, including upcoming events, visit www.worksourcedekalb.org or call 404-687-3400.