Y.O.U. Summer Youth Employment Program
Applications for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program are now closed.
We’re excited to share that we’ve seen strong interest from Cleveland youth this year, a powerful sign that young people across our community are ready to work, grow, and make a positive impact this summer!
Participants will be notified of their selection status by the end of May. Most job placements begin the week of June 14, 2026.
For more information, visit Youth Opportunities Unlimited online.
Questions?
Email summerjobsprogram@youcle.org or call 216.776.3900.
Part-time Lifeguard Positions at City Rec Centers "The Splashy Remix"
An opportunity to stay active, earn money, and help your community all at once. You’ll gain valuable leadership and safety skills!
Students must be 15 years of age by the last day of the class and must attend all class sessions, pass written and practical exams in to obtain this certification.
Prerequisite 1: Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
Jump into water and totally submerge, recover to surface, then swim 150 yards non-stop front-crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, with face in the water and demonstrating good breath control. Swimming on side or back is not permitted. Then tread water for 2-minutes using only your legs, your head must remain above the water. Then swim 50 more yards breaststroke or front crawl. Goggles are allowed.
Prerequisite 2: Timed Event
Participants have 1 minute and 40 seconds to swim 20 yards, do a surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet and retrieve a 10 lb. object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point while holding the object with both hands at the surface. Then exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. No goggles may be used.
Department: Parks and Recreation – Recreation Division
Closing Date: 05/01/2026
Work Opportunities & More
Explore paid summer job opportunities across Cleveland’s recreation centers, parks, camps, and aquatics programs. Whether you’re interested in working outdoors, leading youth activities, supporting community events, or building hands-on experience in food service or maintenance, there’s a role designed to help you grow, earn, and make a difference this summer.