By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
YouthWorks, the program within the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development that provides a five-week summer job opportunity to thousands of Baltimore City youth and young adults will return in 2026. The program, which began in 1973 as “Blue Chip,” creates employment opportunities each year for people ages 14 to 21. Applications for the 2026 program opened Jan. 2 and close March 7.
Those accepted into the program will work from Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 31. Youth may work up to five hours per day and five days per week totaling 25 hours. Youth assigned to private-sector placements may work additional hours depending on the employer.
Each five-week summer session provides YouthWorks participants with a paycheck, professional mentoring and career-specific training, which they can carry forward into adulthood.
Sagamore Ventures, the family office of Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour, has contributed $2 million to YouthWorks.
“Baltimore is full of talented, determined young people and, together with YouthWorks, we are proud to help create pathways for young people to gain experience, build confidence, and shape the future of our city,” said Kevin Plank, in a statement. “More than a training program, YouthWorks represents a critical investment in our global future — supporting the development of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
According to the YouthWorks application website, applicants must submit several documents, including a Social Security number, proof of identity and proof of work authorization. Youth who worked or were verified with YouthWorks between 2015 and 2024 do not need to provide proof of work authorization.
Additional required documents may include a work permit for applicants younger than 18, federal Form W-4, Maryland Form MW-507, federal Form I-9, a designated method of payment and the YouthWorks payroll form. Proof of income and a resume are optional. Some materials may require a parent or guardian’s signature for applicants younger than 18. All forms must be completed online using a computer. Each form includes a how-to video explaining the required information.