County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey kick-off 10th anniversary of Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program

PITTSBURGH – County Executive Sara Innamorato, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, and other speakers kicked off the 10th anniversary of the Learn & Earn summer youth employment program with a call to action to the region’s business community to get involved. The announcement came as the Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program accepts applications for this year’s program, until June 7.

Learn & Earn, a joint endeavor of Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and Partner4Work, has employed nearly 13,000 young people and returned $13 million in wages to the local economy. Since its inception in 2014, the program has consistently produced the largest group of school-aged, trained, and work-ready young people in the County and City. Many past participants have gone on to college and started careers in industries including business, technology, law, public services, financial services, marketing, and many others.

County Executive Innamorato applauded the success of the program and encouraged additional participation from the region’s business community.

“If we want to grow our economy, we have to invest in the local talent we have,” she said. “We need to introduce young people to diverse mentors early and help them put down professional roots here, to understand how internships lead to careers that will sustain them.”

In 2024, Learn & Earn aspires to connect as many as 1,200 young people ages 14 through 21 with six-week summer jobs in local businesses and organizations. Learn & Earn participants also will have opportunities for virtual and in-person work experiences. Eligible youth live in Allegheny County, including the City of Pittsburgh, and meet certain low-income criteria. Learn & Earn opportunities can range from career exploration activities, service-learning, or work-study to entrepreneurship and corporate internships.

"Empowering our youth through workforce development isn't just an investment in their future; it's an investment in the resilience of our communities,” Mayor Gainey said. “But we cannot do this alone. We need your help to open doors and pave the way for young people to see career opportunities ahead.” 

 The application period for the general Learn & Earn program ends June 7. Interested youth can find eligibility requirements and the application online at or at one of the in-person application support center locations throughout Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh: www.jobs4summer.org.

More than just a job

Non-profit partnership and the business community’s participation in Learn & Earn is a key factor in the program’s success. In any given year, as many as 400 businesses and nonprofits have opened their doors to youth for the summer. The program continues to adjust to employ youth safely, engage them virtually, and offer small group participation so they can gain meaningful work experience building digital work skills. 

“Businesses that invest in young people aren't just shaping tomorrow's workforce; they're sculpting the future of their own success. By nurturing talent, providing mentorship, and fostering growth opportunities, they sow the seeds for innovation, loyalty, and lasting prosperity,” said Rob Cherry, Partner4Work CEO.

Corporate internship

Young adults ages 18-24 also may participate in the Corporate Internship Program, the capstone experience for older applicants with more work experience. Interns work for eight weeks with corporate hosts that offer work experience in high-demand sectors including healthcare, financial services, and law. Corporate interns earn $12 an hour for as many as 30 hours per week.

Businesses interested in participating in the Corporate Internship Program, hosting an intern, or sponsoring Learn & Earn should email internship@partner4work.org.  The Learn & Earn team screens candidates, arranges interviews, provides ongoing training and support, and processes paperwork and payroll.