2026 Summer P.A.Y.S. Application NOW OPEN for Hillsborough and Pinellas Youth 

CareerSource Tampa Bay Opens 2026 Summer P.A.Y.S. Application for Hillsborough and Pinellas Youth

~ Annual summer program offers paid work experience and career mentorship for young adults ages 15–24 ~

TAMPA, Fla. – CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) is officially announcing the launch of the 2026 application for its annual summer youth employment program, Summer P.A.Y.S. (Preparing Area Youth for Success). Applications officially opened to the public on Monday, January 19, 2026.

CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) is proud to announce a strategic rebranding and expansion of its summer youth workforce development initiatives. Formerly known as Tampa Bay Summer Hires in Hillsborough County, the agency’s youth program will be known as Summer P.A.Y.S. (Preparing Area Youth for Success), reflecting a unified commitment to serving young people across both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.

The Summer P.A.Y.S. program is designed to provide young adults ages 15 to 24 with structured, paid work-based learning experiences. By partnering with over 350 employers across the Tampa Bay region, CSTB offers participants hands-on training, leadership development, and exposure to high-demand career pathways in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and professional services.

“The Summer P.A.Y.S. program is more than just a summer job; it’s a career-launching opportunity,” said Leondra Foster, Youth Programs Director. “By connecting our youth with local employers, we are building a stronger, more resilient workforce for Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.”

Key Program Information:

·        Who Can Apply: Eligible youth ages 15–24 residing in Hillsborough or Pinellas County.

·        What’s Provided: Paid work experience, career exploration, and professional mentorship.

·        How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the central portal HERE.

Eligibility

The program prioritizes services for youth and individuals facing barriers to employment. Eligibility is determined based on federal and state funding, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). All interested youth are encouraged to apply early, as positions are limited.

Download the flyer here.

About CareerSource Tampa Bay 

Effective July 1, 2024, CareerSource Tampa Bay is the designated local workforce development board serving Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. CareerSource Tampa Bay is governed by a board of directors whose members are appointed by a consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEOs) from each county commission.

CareerSource Tampa Bay is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers listed may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

CareerSource Tampa Bay is the direct service provider for various workforce programs which are supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $38,665,000 with 93% federally funded (Updated annually, as of September 2025).

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