CAYIP Seeks Applications from Local Youth for Summer Internship Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2026

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville Community Attention Youth Internship Program (CAYIP) is seeking applicants from Charlottesville area youth aged 14-21 who are interested in a paid summer internship.

The Summer 2026 session will start June 22 to August 2. To be considered, applicants will need to first complete an application. The application window runs from March 15 - April 19 at 5:00 PM. For Summer 2026, CAYIP will center its program around the theme ‘Inspire. Momentum. Power.': A call to spark new ideas, continue to build momentum, engage the community, and empower interns to harness their power to lead with purpose and impact.

Program Highlights:

The program is open to youth between the ages of 14-21. City of Charlottesville residents receive priority acceptance.
All interns will participate in CAYIP Academy to learn workplace readiness skills, communication and conflict management skills, banking and budgeting skills, and much more!
All participants will be assigned a CAYIP counselor who meets with the youth at least once per week at their site.
Youth are expected to work up to 20 hours per week for the six-week session. During this session, youth will have the opportunity to earn a performance-based stipend up to $15 per hour (not to exceed $1,800 per summer session).
Youth will work with staff to complete a resume at the end of the session.

Application and Acceptance Process:

Acceptance into the six-week program is based on several factors, including application completeness, the interview process, interests, schedule, and site compatibility/availability.
Youth and their parent/guardians will need to complete the Summer 2026 Application.
Interviews will be conducted one-on-one with youth and CAYIP staff.
Acceptance into the program will be communicated via email.
Family Night: Families and interns will participate in a mandatory family night, an orientation and dinner where they will learn about the program expectations and complete essential onboarding paperwork and meet CAYIP staff.
Academy Night: Accepted interns will participate in the mandatory CAYIP Academy where they will learn more about their site placement and engage with other interns and their assigned counselor.

CAYIP Timeline: Summer Session 2026
(This timeline provides an overview of important dates and events and may be subject to change)

March 15 - April 19 @ 5:00 PM: Application submission window
April 13 - May 8: Applicant interviews (these will take place via zoom)
Week of May 25: Youth notifications sent out via email
June 17 or 18: Intern/ Family Night (mandatory)
June 22 - June 26: Week of CAYIP Academy (mandatory)
July 3: Observed City Holiday (no work for interns)
July 29: CAYIP Graduation

Media Contact:
Latara S. Ragland
Senior Family Services Specialist
City of Charlottesville
434-987-0018
raglands@charlottesville.gov

CAYIP Seeks Applications from Local Youth for Summer Internship Program