Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW)  Director Jason W. Mitchell has announced that recruitment is now underway for the 2022 Class of YH₂O Career Mentoring Program participants. This award-winning, job-readiness program helps to prepare young adults in Baltimore City for public works careers.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 25. Applicants’ interviews will be held Tuesday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 16. The YH₂O Career Mentoring Program officially begins on Monday, March 21.

The YH₂O Career Mentoring Program (“YH₂O”) serves Baltimore City residents, ages 18-24, who have a high school diploma or GED, are unemployed or underemployed and, are not currently enrolled in a job- training program or post-secondary education. Baltimore City is proud of the 114 young men and women who have successfully completed YH₂O since its inception in 2015.

The three-phased, six-month program provides career exploration, job shadowing, and industry-related tours to help familiarize YH₂O participants with the public works industry. Participants also receive job-readiness training and a summer job through YouthWorks, which enhances their work skills and training. 

YH₂O is a public-private job partnership, spearheaded by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) in alliance with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) and the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA). 

Past YH₂O graduates have attained such DPW positions as Laborers, Community Aides, Operations Technician Apprentices, and Customer Care Analysts. The career mentoring program has expanded to include careers in other areas within the Department of Public Works including solid waste, and the internet technology sections.

Applications are available on the DPW website or by contacting Anthony L. Greene, DPW Youth Program Coordinator, 410-396-4257; AnthonyL.Greene@baltimorecity.gov; or MOED website and by contacting Curtis Landen, MOED Internship Coordinator, (410) 396-6722; Clanden@oedworks.com.