WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. – Wayne County officials celebrated the successful completion of the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program on Thursday, recognizing 39 local high school and college students who participated in the six-week initiative. A closing ceremony was held to award certificates and highlight the impact of the program that has been connecting young people with local government careers since 2022.
Program Provides Real-World Experience
The program, which ran from June 17 through July 25, offered paid hands-on internships across various county departments. Students were strategically placed in departments that aligned with their interests and career goals, including public safety, administration, community development, and environmental services.
“This internship gave me the chance to learn as much as possible,” said Stephanie Alvarez, who served as an Animal Services intern. “Whether it was understanding how animals behave, learning proper handling and cleaning techniques, or watching how the animal shelter operates behind the scenes, I soaked up everything I could. I walked in every day ready to grow, because when you care about something as much as I care about animals, learning never really feels like work.”
Bridging Academic Learning and Professional Practice
For many participants, the program served as a crucial bridge between classroom education and real-world application. Brielle Crespo, who interned with Environmental Health, emphasized how the experience deepened her understanding of public service.
“This internship helped me connect the dots between classroom learning and real-world application,” Crespo said. “I gained hands-on experience in environmental health and saw how public service professionals are stewards of community well-being. It made me even more passionate about using my education to serve others.”
County Leaders Encourage Long-Term Career Consideration
Wayne County Commissioner Antonio Williams addressed participants at the closing ceremony, encouraging them to consider pursuing full-time careers in public service after completing their education.
“You put in the work, and that’s what truly matters,” Commissioner Williams told the group. “Wayne County has a place for you. If you ever want to turn this summer job into a full-time career, the door is always open. We’ll be here to support you when that time comes.”
Program’s Mission and Impact
The Wayne County Summer Youth Employment Program represents the county’s ongoing commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders through civic engagement, workforce development, and mentorship opportunities. The Board of Commissioners launched the initiative in 2022 with the goal of inspiring young adults to engage in community service through local government while introducing them to the diverse range of career opportunities available in public service.
Now in its fourth year, the program continues to demonstrate Wayne County’s investment in its youth and its dedication to building a strong pipeline of future public servants who understand the importance of community engagement and local government operations.
