Learn About Mayor Turner’s First Job and Hear Experiences from HHY Alumni
“It was not just about the money…but I learned how to take orders, follow instructions, be ready, be on time, and put in a full day’s work for a full day’s pay.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner
“I learned how to communicate well with others in the office environment, network with people we’ve met, and meetings, and gained overall confidence.”
Luis Moreno
Government and Municipal Experience (GAME)
In 2016, the Hire Houston Youth program offered 450 youth with internships within City of Houston (municipality) departments and divisions, organized by the City’s Human Resources team. Internships at the City of Houston and other government agencies gives young people the chance learn how local government operates, how services are provided to citizens and constituents, and places them on a pathway to public service.
All positions offer at least 8 weeks of employment during the summer and compensation starts at $10 per hour.
Corporate Careers Pathway (CCP)
Hire Houston Youth brings job opportunities to you. Jobs in the corporate sector could lead to long-lasting careers in the industry. Employer partners are looking for strong and educated talent to fill their workforce pipelines and give youth a chance to “earn and learn” while testing their career of choice and applying knowledge acquired during their studies, to a job experience that contributes to our local and global economy.
Community Leadership and Innovation Pathway (CLIP)
Hire Houston Youth offers nonprofit internship that provide real-world experience into the not-for-profit (nonprofit) sector. Different from your traditional corporate positions, nonprofit organizations focus their work on social, civic, and community-based services, connecting young people to meaningful and purposeful missions. Nonprofit interns learn about the industry, how nonprofit agencies operate, how to create partnerships, fundraising, lead programs, plan events and more.
Pre-apprentice and Apprenticeship Pathway (PAP)
Registered, and non-registered apprenticeships provide a method of career-placement and development that is created when businesses, community and vocational colleges, and the government form partnerships for long-term employment. Apprenticeships bring together education, economic development, and workforce development for a combined on-the-job training experience with classroom (virtual or in-person) instruction and is a way to land a long-term work opportunity while getting paid, receiving health benefits, being trained and educated, and becoming a productive member of the workforce and economy.
Student Entrepreneurship Institute
Hire Houston Youth launches the first every Student Entrepreneurship Institute in 2021!
Hire Houston Youth aims to create a culture of entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity, innovation, in Houston. With collaborations that include Div, Inc., Ion Houston, and others, our cross-sector approach will guide young people down a pathway of ideation, helping them to create businesses that address the Houston community’s technology, information, and healthcare needs while contributing to the betterment of a humane, fair, and global society.
Career and Resource Fairs
Hire Houston Youth partners with the Workforce Solutions (public workforce system), local employers, and nonprofits to deliver career and resource fairs that provide participants with access to employment opportunities, resources to eliminate barriers to employment, financial literacy training and development.
These events are open to the public and free for employers and participants. Youth MUST provide documentation proving their eligibility to work. To view a list of acceptable documents click here.
Career Awareness Survey
Research shows that Houston has a vast amount of stable, high-skill career opportunities. But, it seems that awareness about these opportunities is low; and that is why we are reaching out to you. Your response helps us measure the awareness of students in the greater Houston area about high-skill career opportunities. Additionally, your response lets us understand how to publicize information about rewarding high-skill career options to students in the future. Please click the button below and provide us your feedback in the short survey.
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…Application tips
Your email address is one of the first ways you make an impression upon potential employers. Make sure you make a great first impression with a professional email address.
Examples of professional emails are:
First Initial.Last Name@mailprovider.com (ex. J.Doe@yahoo.com)
First Name.Last Name@mailprovider.com (ex. John.Doe@gmail.com
If you need to create a new email, you want to create an email that is easy for you to remember. You can sign-up for a free email account through a web-based email provider (Gmail, Yahoo). Once you create your account, remember to check your account frequently and respond promptly to potential employers.
Make sure you have the necessary documents to be employed.
When you apply for jobs, you will be asked to present certain documents like your birth certificate or social security card / ITIN number. Below are some useful links to help you get the documentation you will need.
Social Security Number
If you don’t have one, you can apply for one at http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ or search for a Houston-area SSA office near you at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.
If you are not eligible to receive a SSN, you’ll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for tax purposes only. You can apply for an ITIN by completing a Form W-7 here: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/General-ITIN-Information
Government Issued ID
Examples: State ID | Driver’s License | Passport
If you don’t have one already, visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/applyforID.htm for instructions on how to obtain one. You may also provide your birth certificate as proof of age if you do not have a photo ID.
Make sure you have work appropriate attire.
The way you dress says a lot about the type of employee you are. If you’re not sure what your employer’s dress code is, it is a good idea to ask before the first day of work.
Frequently asked questions
Maybe! Due to an overwhelming number of applications, we cannot guarantee you a job or internship. This is a competitive process, so we recommend completing a stellar application and brushing up on your career readiness skills – like interviewing and creating a resume.
Once the application period is over, HHY reviews the applications. If selected for the next round, you will be invited to attend a mandatory job readiness training. If you advance to the next round, you may be invited for an interview if requested by the employer. If you receive a job or internship offer, you will receive a notification. Please continually check your email as this is how HHY will contact you for next steps. We appreciate your patience as we complete this process.
It is not necessary if you applied for positions online. The opportunities available at the job fairs are different than the jobs available through the online application system. Please contact us through the website if you have any questions about your online application.