The Definitive Guide to Summer Jobs and Opportunities for Youth in Philadelphia (2026)
Your guide to paid jobs, internships, training programs, and out of school opportunities for youth ages 12–24.
Too often, we hear from young people across Philadelphia that there just aren’t enough meaningful opportunities for young people outside of school time - especially during the summer.
The reality is, there’s more out there than most people realize, and our city is full of opportunities designed to grow with you on your journey of discovering the world outside of school.
Philadelphia offers a wide range of programs, camps, and experiences designed to help youth explore interests, develop skills, and prepare for the future.
This guide below serves as the definitive resource for discovering meaningful programs and opportunities for youth 12-24 across Philadelphia. It highlights structured experiences that provide real-world exposure, mentoring, and guidance to help young people plan for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.
Summer Camps + Academic Programs
City Funded Out-of-School Time and Summer Camp Programs
(For Grades K-12)
For young people across Philadelphia, summer is a chance to stay active, make friends, and explore new interests in a safe and supportive environment. Across the city, there are hundreds of options for fun and engaging summer camps - from sports and recreation to arts, STEM, and academic enrichment programs. The City’s Out-of-School Time (OST) locator currently lists more than 400 programs designed for middle school–aged youth, making it easier than ever to find something close to home that fits your interests and schedule.
Summer School, Academic Enrichment and CTE Programs from SDP
(Grades K-12)
Students looking to stay academically engaged over the summer can explore a wide range of free programs offered through the School District of Philadelphia. These opportunities combine traditional academic support with hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences, helping students strengthen core skills while exploring potential career pathways. From credit recovery and college readiness to industry-focused learning in fields like healthcare, construction, media, and entrepreneurship, these programs are designed to keep students learning, build confidence, and connect classroom knowledge to real-world opportunities.
Career Connected Learning Summer Camps with
(Grades 5-8 | At select SDP Schools)
Philadelphia Youth Network’s Career Connected Learning summer program builds on its dynamic afterschool model to offer engaging, hands-on enrichment experiences that connect learning to real-world careers. Through a mix of project-based enrichment activities, career exploration, and academic support, young people participate in interactive workshops, mentorship, field trips, and team-based learning that helps them discover new interests and build critical life skills. Designed to support both personal growth and career awareness, these programs create a fun, supportive environment where students can explore future pathways while staying active and engaged throughout the summer.
Other Programs / Resources:
Summer Jobs + Career Connected Learning Programs
Career Connected Learning PHL (C2L-PHL)
(For Ages 12-24)
Career Connected Learning PHL (C2L-PHL) is the City of Philadelphia's city wide summer youth employment system designed to connect young people to paid, hands-on work experiences that help build real-world skills and explore future careers. Through internships, service learning, mentoring, and career exposure opportunities, participants gain valuable experience while earning money and developing professional skills.
Designed as a citywide system with more than 8,000 summer job opportunities, C2L-PHL summer jobs are hosted by more than 50 provider partners and community organizations including the Free Library, of Philadelphia, Parks + Rec Centers, Urban Affairs Coalition and numerous other worksites industry sectors. Youth can earn up to $1,500 for participating. If you're a young person in Philadelphia looking for a meaningful paid job experience this summer - this should be your first stop.
The deadline to apply for C2L-PHL jobs is April 30th, 2026!
The PYNtern Program
(For Ages 14-24)
PYN's PYNtern program provides comprehensive career development training through in-person professional development sessions combined with paid jobsite placements across a variety of career sectors. In addition to opportunities for paid work, opportunities will offer targeted career coaching, financial literacy modules, resume workshops, field trips, industry tours and more! A part of the C2L-PHL system of summer jobs, the PYNtern program represents some of the highest level career prep opportunities the city has to offer
- 6-8 week career development hosted at worksites across Philadelphia.
- 120 Hours of paid career readiness training - split between classroom and jobsite days.
- $11/hr starting wage.
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Intermittent classroom and on-site professional development training, industry tours, guest speakers, site visits and more.
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Wrap-around support services and mentorship.
Applications are CLOSED as of 3/31 due to limited capacity.
Parks + Recreation Lifeguard Program
(For Ages 16-24)
The City of Philadelphia’s Parks & Recreation lifeguard program offers one of the highest-paying and most rewarding summer jobs for young people. Lifeguards play a critical role in keeping neighborhood pools safe while gaining leadership, responsibility, and lifesaving skills. Participants can earn competitive hourly wages (16/hr+), qualify for end-of-summer bonuses, and receive free training and certification through the American Red Cross.
Philadlephia Works Program Locator
(For Ages 16-24)
Philadelphia Works connects young people to a wide range of career opportunities, training programs, and summer jobs across the city. Through its youth resource hub, participants can explore internships, job training, and career pathways - many of which are part of Philadelphia’s broader Career Connected Learning PHL (C2L PHL) system - designed to help youth gain real-world experience, build skills, and earn income.
Summer Job Listings on Indeed.com
(For Ages 16-24 - Most Require a Highschool Diploma)
Indeed.com is one of the largest job search platforms available, making it a valuable tool for finding summer employment across Philadelphia. By searching terms like “summer jobs” or “student positions,” youth can access a wide range of opportunities—from camp counselor roles to entry-level positions in retail, hospitality, and more. Many listings include pay rates, job requirements, and quick-apply features to help streamline the process.
More Opportunities + Resources
Connect with a Youth Navigator at PA CareerLink
(For Ages 12-24)
Want some one-on-one support? A Youth Navigator at PA CareerLink can help you figure it out. These coaches work directly with young people to explore career options, apply for jobs or training programs, and build a plan for life after high school - so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
PYN's Professional Pathways Program
(For Ages 18+ with a Highschool Diploma)
Philadelphia Youth Network’s year-round Professional Pathways Program combines job shadowing, career exposure, and individualized coaching to prepare youth for the workforce. Through intensive support in career planning and job application support, participants are positioned to move from exploration to action and ultimately secure living-wage employment, creating a sustainable pathway to long-term career success.
Apprentischip PHL
(For Ages 16+)
ApprenticeshipPHL links young job seekers to registered Apprenticeship and Pre‑Apprenticeship programs in the Philadelphia area. By browsing the directory, you can explore career paths that combine paid employment, on‑the‑job training, mentorship, and classroom instruction in industries including the building trades, construction, healthcare, marketing, and more. Apprenticeships help you learn real skills, earn competitive wages, and gain nationally recognized credentials to launch your career.
Job Corps PHL
(For Ages 16+)
Job Corps offers free education and career training for young people ages 16–24 through its Philadelphia center. Participants can earn a high school diploma or equivalency, receive hands-on training in high-demand industries, and build the skills needed for long-term employment—all while accessing supportive services like housing, meals, and career counseling.
TeachPHL
(For Ages 16+)
TeachPHL connects aspiring educators to training and teaching opportunities across the city. Whether you're exploring the pathwyas to a future career in education or ready to start your career, TeachPHL provides access to job openings, certification pathways, and resources to help you become a teacher in Philadelphia’s public schools.
Future Road Builders - Careers in Construction
(For Ages 16+)
Future Road Builders is a free, interactive career exploration platform that helps young people learn about careers in the highway construction industry through games, videos, and virtual job simulations. It’s designed to introduce you to the skills and roles involved in building roads and infrastructure and can help you discover whether careers like operating engineer, carpenter, laborer, or inspector might be a good fit. The tools and badges you earn can also support next steps like apprenticeship readiness and connections to training and career programs.
PA Career Zone
(For Ages 16+)
PA CareerZone is a free online career exploration and planning tool that helps young people discover careers, learn what skills and education they require, and create action plans for the future. Through self‑exploration assessments, job profiles, salary info, and connections to training opportunities, CareerZone guides you in identifying pathways that match your interests and strengths—whether you’re thinking about college, work, apprenticeships, or other next steps. (pacareerzone.org)