By Matt Roy
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Summer is coming (sorry for the reminder)  — but along with dry heat and the annual migration of snowbirds, the summer also promises opportunities for local youth to learn valuable skills and earn money.

Among those opportunities are summer job internships, a youth police academy and some well-paid positions for teen lifeguards and swim instructors.

In Surprise, city officials will continue their successful Summer Youth Employment Program, a six-week work internship for teens 15-19, which provides professional development training along with $12 an hour.

Seth Dyson, director of the city’s Human Service & Community Vitality department, said the program offers valuable training to prepare participants for the future.

“This program allows teens to work alongside city staff in various departments from public safety to finance. It provides valuable hands-on training that we hope will grow the students’ professional skills and potentially inspire a life of public service,” Mr. Dyson stated.

Participants must be available to work at least 25 hours per week between June 15 and July 24. Professional development opportunities could range from shadowing a building inspector to working with local seniors, according to information at the city’s website.

The popular program fills up fast each year with only 25 positions available; but the application and interview process by itself is a valuable learning experience, Mr. Dyson explained.

“The application process generally is competitive because we only can accommodate 25 youth. We see even the application process as an opportunity to learn as all youth who submit complete applications, and are eligible for the program, will be interviewed,” he stated. “In the past, we’ve done close to 100 interviews. Even though some will not be selected, the chance to interview and get feedback is of very high value and, hopefully, prepares them for their next interview.”

To qualify, participants must meet several criteria: family income at or below 80% of area median; full-time student; Surprise resident; legal to work in U.S.; have access to reliable transportation; and submit letter of recommendation.

Income verification documents are required with all applications and applicants will list areas of personal interest to match them up with various employment opportunities.

Applications are available to pick up at City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, or to download at: www.surpriseaz.gov/syep.

Electronic applications are due through Sunday, March 29; in-person applications will be accepted during business hours at City Hall through 5 p.m. Friday, March 27; and mailed applications must be post marked by March 27.

Once selected, qualified applicants will be notified and interviewed starting in April; finalists will be notified in May and must pass pre-employment screening as required by the city.

For more information, contact Lord Garcillano at lord.garcillano@surpriseaz.gov or call 623-222-1035.

Police academy

No, it’s not the wacky 1984 movie, which spawned six critically panned sequels.

But while participants won’t meet a screeching Bobcat Goldthwait or buzz-beeping Michael Winslow  — some Peoria teens will learn all about law enforcement at the Youth Citizen Police Academy this June.

The free program is open to Peoria residents (or those attending school in Peoria) who will enter 7th or 8th grade in the fall.

Each academy session lasts four days with four cohorts: June 1-4 at Peoria High School; June 8-11 at Centennial High School; June 22-25 at Sunrise Mountain High School; and June 29-July 2 at Liberty High School.

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the program covers a broad range of topics to give participants a better understanding of the police and how they do their jobs to serve the public, according to city officials.

“This academy is designed to build relationships between kids entering the 7th and 8th grades and the Police Department. This program is intended to introduce children to what occurs at the Peoria Police Department on a daily basis,” officials state at the city’s website.

Participants will also investigate mock crimes scenes and everyone gets a T-shirt, too.

Other topics covered will include: alcohol/DUI goggles and carts; fingerprinting; dangerous drugs education; equipment demos; S.W.A.T. presentation; firearm safety; internet and social media safety; team building; K-9 presentation; crime reporting; and building clearing.

Parents much sign a waiver and provide transportation. Participants will not handle firearms during the program.

Completed applications are due by Friday, May 8.

Learn more and apply at: peoriaaz.gov/YCPA.

Lifeguards & instructors

Phoenix officials seek qualified lifeguards to help protect swimmers across the city this summer, as well as swim instructors to work at their 29 aquatic centers.

Available to those 15 years of age older, lifeguard positions pay $13.80 per hour, while swim instructors earn $14.49 an hour.

To qualify as a lifeguard, applicants must be certified. Registration for the city’s StarGuard Training program is underway with classes set for dates throughout March.

Prerequisites for the training program include: 300 yards of continuous swimming using either freestyle or breaststroke; tread water for one minute without using hands; and retrieve a 10-pound brick from 12 feet of water.

Those who do not meet the prerequisites will get a refund.

Participants will be receive one-year StarGuard Elite certification, as well as American Safety and Health Institute basic first aid and CPR/AED training. An 8-hour online training session is also required.

Interviews for lifeguard positions will take place March 7, March 21 and April 4.

Positions will be filled starting March 9 with preference given to those already StarGuard certified as of March 7.

Applicants for swim instructor positions must have Starfish Swimming Instructor certification with classes available March 23-April 20.

A pre-course swimming skills test is required; participants will learn skills and techniques to teach swimming and water safety, along with 20 hours of online training.

The last day for standard class registration is Wednesday, March 18.

A swimsuit, towel and bottled water are required for every class. Snacks and goggles are also recommended.

For more information, call the aquatics office at 602-534-6585.