City and County of Denver, CO

04/03/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/03/2025 16:23

Denver Youth with a Summer Job Can Receive $500 Bonus

Denver Youth with a Summer Job Can Receive $500 Bonus

Published on April 03, 2025

The City and County of Denver is announcing the continuation of the Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative in alignment with the city's Family Friendly goal.

Applications are now open for eligible youth ages 14-21 to apply for a $500 bonus when they have completed 100 hours of work between April 1-Aug. 15, 2025. Eligible youth must have a summer job or job offer at the time of their application. View additional eligibility requirements and complete an application here. Applications for the retention bonus will be open now through July 1, 2025. The city expects to serve 2,000 youth through this initiative to further support Denverites as they gain meaningful job experience.

"Denver's future is in the hands of our youth, and it's crucial they have the opportunity to gain work experience," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "This program is a key part of our Family Friendly goal and speaks to our commitment to invest in our youth who represent a brighter, stronger future for our city."

"We are proud to invest in the future workforce through this initiative," said Adeeb Khan, Executive Director of Denver Economic Development and Opportunity. "This program provides young people with valuable, real-world job experience-from building a strong resume to mastering job interviews and developing essential workplace skills. Our Denver Workforce Development team is here to support them every step of the way, and we're excited to play a role in launching their career journeys this summer."

In an effort to connect youth to summer jobs, the city is offering a series of both in-person and virtual job fairs to connect individuals to job opportunities. Employers who are committed to hiring youth ages 14-17 and are committed to providing a positive work environment, mentorship and skill development opportunities could receive a $1,000 incentive for hiring (up to 10 youth per employer). Interested employers can visit here to learn more.

Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative In-Person Job Fairs will be held on:

  • Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m., PPA Event Center: 2105 Decatur Street

  • Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lowry Conference Center: 1061 Akron Way, Building 697

Virtual opportunities are also available. View all in-person and virtual job fair opportunities here.

In addition to the Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative, families can access a range of programs through the Youth Program Locator here through the Office of Children's Affairs. This tool contains resources such as Tasty Food-a meal program providing free meals to youth ages 3-18 at recreation centers year-round view here.