DeKalb Extends Deadline for Summer Youth Jobs Training Program

New deadline is April 16 for 800 virtual youth internship opportunities 

DeKalb County has extended the application deadline for the 2023 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy (DVCA), the county’s seventh annual summer jobs training program, run by WorkSource DeKalb.

The new application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 16, for the program, hosted by DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners.

“As families continue to struggle to navigate high inflation and food prices, DeKalb County wants to help youth earn money to purchase much-needed items for school while learning critical job skills,” CEO Thurmond said.

The five-week program will run from June 5 through July 7.

DVCA will provide 800 internships to DeKalb residents ages 14 to 24 who will be paid $10 per hour. Prospective participants are invited to apply for the program at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/careeracademy. Participants will be selected through a lottery system.

DVCA is a unique collaborative partnership between the DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County School District, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 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 for youth.

For the fourth consecutive year, due to the county’s continued focus on economic security and providing positive, safe, and productive opportunities for DeKalb’s youth, selected interns will be able to virtually “learn and earn” critical job readiness skills.

Although DVCA will be in a virtual format, a limited number of 11th and 12th graders will be given the opportunity to gain some workforce experience by training onsite at designated DeKalb County District school locations. Additionally, a limited number of older youth will be given the option to participate in on-the-job training at selected county worksites.

.The academy primarily 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. 

Final selections will be emailed no later than April 28.

Questions about the internship program should be directed to Ms. Tammy Purifoy at tpurifoy@dekalbcountyga.gov  or 470-707-2034.