Applications are being accepted for the city’s Summer Work Success program, but the deadline for last-minute applicants is Monday, May 24.

The successful program provided job opportunities for 77 young people last year through a grant from Opportunity, Inc. This year, the city received a smaller amount of funding to offer paid employment for 14 young people, ages 16-24, but it is concentrating on people ages 16-21.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to continue to expose young adults to the work environment,” Parks and Recreation Director Lakita Frazier said. “It gives them an opportunity to expand their skills and open their horizons.”

Successful applicants will work in the parks and recreation department in administrative, custodial and ground maintenance positions. They work a minimum of 25 hours each week, and receive minimum wage of $7.25 an hour through the grant funding.

To be eligible, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; registered with Selective Service if applicable; low income; and possessing one or more of the following barriers: basic skills deficient, school dropout, homeless, runaway or foster child, pregnant or parenting, offender, belongs to a household receiving public assistance, public housing resident, Section 8 housing resident, has a physical or learning disability, has no paid work experience, is living in a single-parent home, has a Section 504 plan or IEP, is behind one or more grade levels, or requires assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment.

Frazier noted that several of last year’s participants were able to find full-time employment as a result of the work experience gained with the city.

“We might be grooming a future director of parks and recreation in this program,” she said.

Applications can be picked up at a number of locations around Suffolk, and must be delivered to the Department of Social Services, 135 Hall Ave., Suite B., by 5 p.m. May 24.

Pick up applications at the following locations:

4City of Suffolk Human Resources Department – 440 Market St.

4City of Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department – 110 W. Finney Ave.

4East Suffolk Recreation Center – 138 S. 6th St.

4Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority – 804 W. Constance Road

4Suffolk Workforce Development Center – 157 North Main St.

4Suffolk Department of Social Services – 135 Hall Ave., Suite B

4Western Tidewater Community Services Board – 5268 Godwin Blvd.

4Morgan Memorial Library – 443 W. Washington St.

4Northern Suffolk Library – 2000 Bennett’s Creek Road