Learn & Earn

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that our participants and their families will often have questions about the many aspects of the Learn & Earn program, and we want to do our best to answer everything we can. If your question is not addressed below, please email us at summer@partner4work.org, and we’ll be happy to help. 

Program Questions

What is the new tiered model? How is this different from last year? 

The new three-tiered Learn & Earn model is designed to help young people build skills and gain real-world experience as they progress each year. This model provides structured opportunities for career exploration, skill development, and hands-on work experience to set youth up for long-term success. 

Tier 1: Career Exploration (Ages 14-15) 

Youth in Tier 1 will spend up to 100 hours over the summer participating in work-readiness training and career exploration activities. Through interactive workshops and hands-on experiences, they’ll develop essential skills like communication, professionalism, and problem-solving. Participants will also explore different career industries, meet corporate executives, job shadow professionals, and go on behind-the-scenes industry tours. 

Tier 2: Work Experience (Ages 16-18+) 

In Tier 2, youth will be placed at a real worksite, where they can work up to 140 hours over the summer. This experience allows them to gain valuable workplace skills, take on responsibilities, and network with professionals in their field of interest. 

Tier 3: Advancement (Ages 18+) 

For young adults seeking full-time employment, Tier 3 offers up to 100 hours of industry training that can lead to certifications, full-time job placement, or even a registered apprenticeship. This program is designed to help participants take the final step toward a sustainable career. 
By following this three-tiered approach, Learn & Earn helps youth and young adults move from career exploration to hands-on work experience to full-time employment opportunities. 
  
I’d like to apply for the Learn & Earn Program, what do I do now? 

The application opens on March 14. In the meantime, locate your eligibility documents and get your work permit. 

Eligibility documents include proof of citizenship, proof of social security, proof of address, and proof of household income.
  
What are the program dates for the 2025 Learn & Earn program? 

Application period- March 14th - June 6th, 2025 

Orientation  
Tier 1 & 2 - June 16-20 
Tier 3 - Determined by provider 

Work Experience 
Tier 1 & 2 - June 23 -  August 8, 2025 
Tier 3 - June 2  - August 31, 2025 

How much will I earn? 

Tier 1: $10/hr for up to 100 hours of work. 
Tier 2: $12/hr for up to 140 hours of work. 
Tier 3: up to $15/hr for 100 hours of work. 
 
Is this an income-based program? 
 
Yes, Learn & Earn is an income-based program. Eligibility is determined based on household income, and some participants must meet specific income requirements to qualify. Please see the ‘How to Apply’ page for the 2025 income requirements. 
 
What other eligibility requirements are there? 

Besides the age requirement, all Learn & Earn participants must reside within Allegheny County and/or the City of Pittsburgh. Proof of address is required as a part of the application process (please visit our How to Apply page for further information). Students under 18 must have a work permit. Males 18 and over no longer have to apply for Selective Service 
 
How will I be paid? How often? 

Youth will be paid via direct deposit, paper check, or a Wisley card. Please indicate on the application your preferred method of payment.  

Pay dates are as follows:   

Tier 1 & Tier 2 
1st pay date - Friday June 27, 2025  
2nd pay date - Friday July 11, 2025  
3rd pay date - Friday July 25, 2025  
4th pay date - Friday August 8, 2025  
5th pay date (final) - Friday August 22, 2025  
  
  
Tier 3 
1st pay date - Friday June 13, 2025   
2nd pay date - Friday June 27, 2025  
3rd pay date - Friday July 11, 2025  
4th pay date - Friday July 25, 2025  
5th pay date - Friday August 8, 2025  
6th pay date - Friday August 22, 2025  
7th pay date - Friday September 5, 2025  
8th pay date (final) - Friday September 19, 2025 
 
 
How does the Learn & Earn program work with individuals who require specific accommodations or accessibility services?
 
The Learn & Earn program works with our community partners to provide reasonable accommodations for youth who require them. If you or a youth you are helping might need a specific placement site or type of position (such as avoiding certain types of work) we ask that you email us at summer@partner4work.org so that we can do our best to arrange something that works well. We also ask that any youth that might need specific assistance, accommodations, or services also communicate this to the organization they are placed with so that the summer experience can be an overall positive and fulfilling one. 

Application Questions 

If a person is employed through Learn & Earn, will his/her income affect the household eligibility for public assistance programs? 

According to the most recent SNAP and TANF Cash Assistance program manuals released by the PA Department of Human Services, if the participant is a dependent under the age of 18, income from Learn and Earn is excluded from Cash Assistance and SNAP income requirements for the household. If the participant is over 18 or a high school dropout and he/she is the head of a household, then Learn & Earn income is included. Learn & Earn applicants and their guardians should contact their public assistance program case manager to receive an official determination on whether Learn & Earn income will affect household public benefits. 
 
How do I start the application process? 

Please visit our 'How to Apply' page for all application details. This page covers the following information: required documents, how to upload files, work permit information, eligibility guidelines, etc.  
 
If I am submitting a pay stub/ statement as my proof of income, how many pay stubs/ statements do I need to submit? 
You must submit one pay stub/ statement for each individual within the household who makes an income. It is not necessary to submit multiple paystubs/statements for each individual. The pay stub/ statement you submit must be dated within the past 6 months and include a year-to-date amount. 
 
What happens after I submit my application? 

After you submit your application, our review team will carefully assess your eligibility based on your application and required documents. If you qualify, you’ll be matched with a provider who will guide you through the next steps. Your provider will contact you with important details about your orientation and start dates. Be sure to check your email regularly for updates on your application status! 
 
When will I be placed with a provider? 

Youth placements for Learn & Earn will begin on April 21, 2025, and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. After this date, spots are not guaranteed. To secure your placement, we strongly encourage you to apply early and ensure that all required eligibility documents are accurate and uploaded with your application. Don’t wait—submit your application as soon as possible! 
 
How does the matching process work? 

The Learn & Earn team places youth based on multiple criteria: location, job interests, and age. Additionally, youth are able to both request to be placed with an organization and to be requested by an organization. We do our best to honor all placement requests, although there are times that, due to space or organization location, we are not able to place a youth in a requested location.  
 
How are youth placed in specific jobs? 

Once a youth is matched with their Provider, the Provider will work with the participant on their specific job placement. Any questions about a specific job placement should be directed to the Provider. 
 
What if I want to work at a specific worksite? 

We cannot guarantee employment to any applicant nor a job placement at a specific worksite. If an applicant and worksite wish to be matched, the worksite must notify the Provider who they are partnered with by April 6. The Learn & Earn staff will do its best to honor this request but cannot guarantee this placement. 
 
After the Summer, what happens when the program is over? 

Once Learn & Earn is over there are many opportunities to look into across the Pittsburgh region. Almost all our partner organizations engage in various types of year-round programming, some with paid work experiences and some without. Also, please go to connect4work.org for job opportunities for teens year round.