SummerWorks

About SummerWorks

Based on the successful KentuckianaWorks program of the same name, SummerWorks Southern Indiana allows teens and young adults to participate in a summer program that provides them with more than just a paycheck. They will have the opportunity to learn invaluable skills they can take into the workforce, and beyond with the goal of strengthening the long-term foundation of our economy, and our community.

Time & Location

For the 2026 program, Southern Indiana Works offered SummerWorks at sites in Clark, Floyd, and Washington counties to 23 youth.

Participant Pay

Participants earned $15 per hour for 20 hours per week for 6 weeks, June 8th-July 17th. They were also offered job readiness training during their employment.

Recruitment, Training & Employment

Recruit, train, and employ justice-impacted individuals and individuals in recovery preparing them for entry-level positions within the behavioral health field, such as Peer Recovery Coaches, Community Health Workers, and Behavioral Health Technicians.
Professional Development & Training

Enhance the skills and expertise of current behavioral healthcare workers by funding specialized certifications and credentials, including Cultural Competency for Service Providers, Medication Assisted Treatment (M.A.T.), and technical certificates in areas like Human Services, Mental Health Direct Support, and Addiction Studies.
Employer Awareness & Education

Create a more inclusive and supportive work environment by raising awareness among employers about fair chance employment opportunities and strategies to address substance misuse, addiction, and recovery in the workplace. Whether you’re an employer seeking top talent or an individual ready to take the next step in your career, SoInCares is your partner in workforce development. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate behavioral health community in Southern Indiana.

WHAT TO EXPECT

SummerWorks Southern Indiana is an opportunity for youth ages 16-21 to gain relevant job skills, while providing talent development opportunities for area employers. Participants receive paid work experience, including job readiness training.

This job readiness training includes:

Information about job opportunities that align with participant’s age, interests, and experience and access to career resources.
Tips, tools, and workshops on how to land a great job and be the kind of employee every boss wants.
Resume and interview skill assistance
Assistance learning about financial management

SUMMER WORKS 2023-2025 RESULTS

In three years, 87 youth in Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, and Washington counties worked 8,833 hours during the six-week program. Participants worked with Charlestown, Clarksville, Corydon, Crawford Country, Jeffersonville, Floyd County, Georgetown, New Albany, Salem, Harrison County Lifelong Learning Center, Harrison County Chamber, and Main Street Corydon. Participants were placed at worksites according to their interests and location.

In 2025, the average age of SummerWorks Southern Indiana participants was 17.15, 45% of participants were female, and 25% were BIPOC. SummerWorks was the first employment experience for 40% of the participants in 2025.

Felt that they were better prepared for their next job because of the experience

0 %

Rated their SummerWorks experience as "positive" or "very positive."

0 %

Felt supported by the staff of their worksite

0 %

Would recommend their SummerWorks employer to another student or participant.

0 %

Participant employers were also surveyed, and 100% of the surveyed supervisors would host another SummerWorks participant, and supervisors would recommend 76.5% of the participants for future employment.