Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative

The Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative rewards eligible youth for their commitment to employment over the summer. If you meet the requirements and complete all steps, you can receive a $500 retention bonus in the fall!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

✔ Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a resident of the City and County of Denver
  • Please note: Employment does not have to be located in the City and County of Denver
• Must be 14-21 years old
• Must have a job or have a job offer at the time of application. Please note, you can submit your application between April 1 and July 1, 2025
• Work 100+ hours from April 1 to August 15, 2025 and provide verification

❌ You are not eligible if you are:

• Self-employed
• Working at an unpaid internship

APPLICATIONS

Applications are now closed. Stay in the know and subscribe to our YouthWorks newsletter here.

• Please ensure you've reviewed all eligibility requirements
• If you are looking for a summer job, please feel free to join us at any of our virtual or in-person job fairs to explore job opportunities
• If eligible, you will be required to watch 10 financial empowerment videos to learn about budgeting, saving, and managing money
• The first 2,000 eligible applicants will be notified via email from youthworks@denvergov.org 

EMPLOYERS

Employers hiring ages 14 and older who are interested in participating in one of our upcoming summer job fair events can contact DEDO’s Denver Workforce Development team at workforce@denvergov.org to learn more.

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 contact workforce@denvergov.org to learn more.

HOW AND WHEN WILL I GET PAID?

✔️ You must submit proof of working a minimum of 100 hours from March 1 to August 15, 2025

✔️ Submit your W-9 to receive your bonus

✔️ If under 18, your W-9 must be signed by a parent/guardian

✔️ The $500 bonus will be sent after the program ends (expected fall 2025)