The WorkReady program runs for six weeks during July and August. Through this annual civic engagement initiative, Drexel Faculty and Professional Staff provide work experiences to local high school youth.

What is WorkReady?

The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) provides summer youth opportunities through its WorkReady internship program. 

Each summer, Drexel hosts a cohort of WorkReady high school interns on its Philadelphia campuses for paid working experiences. Interns have the opportunity to work in a variety of academic and administrative departments, obtaining real-world work experience and exposure to the collegiate setting.

Drexel University faculty and professional staff may hire interns to work in their department for the duration of the WorkReady summer program. Be sure to review the Frequently Asked Questions. (Note: As of 2024, PYN is no longer administering Philadelphia’s general Summer Youth Employment Program.) 

Why participate in WorkReady?

WorkReady, an annual university-wide civic engagement initiative, is an extraordinary opportunity to participate in building the confidence of youth, promoting economic self-sufficiency, stimulating learning, and strengthening our community and our university as a whole.

What are the program details?

High school students are eligible to participate in the six-week program, which runs from July 8 to August 16, 2024. Interns will work at Drexel 20 hours a week, Mondays through Thursdays, and attend Professional Development Seminars off-campus each Friday. Departments will have the opportunity to interview potential candidates on campus.

What will it cost my department to have an intern?

To support the commitment to civic engagement, the University will fully fund intern positions on Drexel's campuses, allowing Drexel faculty and professional staff to mentor and support interns at no cost to their departments. This is made possible by the generous support of the Office of University and Community Partnerships and the Office of the Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer. Our goal is to hire at least 40 young people across the University.

I'd like to work with a student but need some additional support. What do you offer?

Philadelphia Youth Network will provide training sessions for managers on Drexel’s campus. The same training will also be made available online. PYN provides a worksite toolkit that holds endless resources on activities for interns, goal setting guidelines and suggestions for providing feedback, just to name a few.

Additionally, Drexel Human Resources is available to answer questions regarding managing interns and to assist managers and interns throughout the program.

Working with Minors

Drexel Faculty and Professional Staff Members who supervise a WorkReady intern under the age of 18 are subject to complete the Act 153 Working with Minors Background checks.

Frequently Asked Questions