GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Students in Wayne County will soon have an opportunity to gain real-world job experience while earning a paycheck through the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program.
Wayne County Government is offering six weeks of paid internships within county departments for eligible students between the ages of 16 and 21 who reside in Wayne County.
Participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program will work 20 hours per week at $15 per hour during the program, which runs from June 16 through July 24, 2026. Officials say the program is designed to help young people gain valuable workplace skills, financial literacy, and exposure to careers in local government.
Students selected for the program will:
- Gain real-world work experience
- Participate in a six-week summer internship
- Earn $15 per hour working 20 hours weekly
- Receive workplace, financial, and local government training
- Work flexible schedules within county departments
Important Dates to Know
- Applications Open: April 1, 2026
- Informational Sessions: April 2 and April 16, 2026 (6 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
- Interviews: May 11 – May 29, 2026
- Orientation: June 16, 2026
- Program Dates: June 16 – July 24, 2026
- Week of July 4: No program activities scheduled
Informational sessions for students and parents will be held at the Wayne County Public Library, located at 1001 E. Ash Street in Goldsboro, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 2 and April 16.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, students must:
- Be 16–21 years old and a high school or college student by June 16, 2026
- Live in Wayne County
- Attend the mandatory Summer Youth Orientation on June 16, 2026
- Not miss more than five days during the program
- Successfully complete:
- Criminal background check
- Drug testing
- Fingerprinting
Officials note that fingerprint-based state and national criminal history checks are required under North Carolina General Statute 160A-164.2(b) for any applicant working with minors.
Wayne County leaders say the Summer Youth Employment Program helps prepare young adults for future careers while building confidence and professional skills that can last a lifetime.
Students and parents are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming informational sessions to learn more about the application process and available internship opportunities.
Summer Youth Employment Handbook
