2023 Program Dates
Applications open: January 18, 2023
Application deadline: February 24, 2023
Interviews start: March 13 and March 14, 2023
Mentoring program runs from: March 20 to June 23, 2023
Download: YH2O Career Mentoring Program Application
What is YH2O?
YH2O is a program that prepares young adults ages 18-24 for employment in full-time jobs in Water or Solid Waste when they complete the program.
The program serves young adult residents in:
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Anne Arundel County
- Howard County
To participate in YH2O, young adult residents:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Are age 18-24
- Are unemployed or underemployed
- Are not currently enrolled in a job-training program or other advanced education (community college, college, or trade schools)
Main YH2O location
- Most YH2O activities are held at the MOED Youth Services headquarters located at 101 W. 24th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.
- Field trips and job shadowing are held off site.
YH2O program phases
Phase I: Participants complete skill and interest assessments, take part in basic job readiness training, and are introduced to the water industry.
Time commitment: 2 days/week, 3 hours each day, for 10 weeks
Phase II: Participants explore a variety of career options available within the water industry, take part in job shadowing experiences and worksite tours, and are paired with a career coach.
Time commitment: 2 days/week, 3 hours each day, for 10 weeks
Phase III: Participants are placed in paid summer jobs through YouthWorks and begin interviewing for full-time positions.
Time commitment: 5 days/week, 5 hours each day for 5 weeks
What you get from the YH2O program
Baltimore City’s water and solid waste industry offers full-time entry-level job opportunities with the potential for career growth and advancement. YH2O participants get:
- Job readiness and hands-on training
- Worksite tours
- Job shadowing
- Explore water and solid waste careers
- Summer jobs through YouthWorks
- An individual career coach
How to apply
You can download and fill out the application, or contact the Coordinators for more information or questions you may have.
Download: YH2O Career Mentoring Program Application
Contact:
Anthony L. Greene, DPW Youth Program Coordinator at 410-396-4202.
Curtis Landen, MOED Internship Coordinator at 443-984-6324.
About the YH2O program
The Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) and Department of Public Works (DPW) has partnered with the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA) to design and operate the YH2O Career Mentoring Program for Baltimore City residents and other areas.
YH2O goals
- Educate Baltimore City young adults about careers in water or solid waste industries
- Develop future workers with the right skills to fill entry-level jobs in water or solid waste
Program hires
Past YH2O graduates have been hired full-time as:
- Laborers
- Community Aides
- Operations Technician Apprentices
- Customer Care Analysts
Baltimore City is proud of the 154 young men and women who have successfully completed YH2O since its inception in 2015.
Potential careers
The career mentoring program includes careers in areas within the Department of Public Works including Water, Solid Waste and Internet technology.
Potential roles include:
- Utility Installer Apprentice
- Operations Technician Apprentice
- Meter Reader/ Utility Specialist
- General Laborer
- Landscaper
- Streetsweeper
- Customer Care Analyst
- Marine Operations