40 Wayne County high school and college students were recognized after completing the county’s 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program, a six-week paid placement inside local government.
More than 100 young people applied for 40 spots—the largest applicant pool in the program’s history—after interviewing and being matched to roles based on their interests and skills.
20 county departments and offices hosted participants, from 911 Communications and EMS to the Board of Elections, IT, the Sheriff’s Office and the public library, while students also toured other departments and local employers.
Now in its fifth year, the program launched in 2022 has become a key county workforce pipeline, giving 16- to 21-year-olds job skills, career exposure and a firsthand view of public service.