You can help develop the local future workforce! SJP provides the perfect opportunity to train future employees, strengthen the local economy, and support the community by creating a meaningful experience in the life of a young person. SJP will match you with a student who has expressed an interest in growing their work skills and has completed a work skills training prior to the summer. Throughout the summer, the student will also meet with a mentor to strengthen the student’s professional and personal development.

SJP cannot guarantee each host employer will be matched with a student applicant, due to applicant availability or qualifications.

• Identify a supervisor to provide training, guidance, and feedback to the student

• Attend an hour-long orientation session

• Where possible, identify a mentor (not the student’s supervisor) within the organization that can attend an SJP training and meet with the student throughout the summer

• Conduct a pre-placement interview with prospective employee

• Provide background checks, drug tests, orientation and/or job-specific training as required

• Complete two work skills evaluations with student during the summer

• Complete a final program evaluation

The Summer Jobs Program is more than a summer job:

• Students complete work skills training prior to starting their work experience

• Students meet with a mentor throughout the summer

• Students have the option to take tuition free college courses during the summer 

• Supervisors evaluate students work skills and provide meaningful feedback 

Our partner employers offer work experiences and a work environment designed to support students as they develop their employability skills and think about their career options. Supervisors provide quality on-the-job training, regular feedback to help students understand what they are doing well and where they can improve, and are intentional about helping the SJP student understand how their work fits into and positively impacts the organization and its clients. The program is more than "just a summer job" for our students. Additionally students receive a work skills training, certified through Helena College.

We match students and positions based on employer needs and student skills and interests.

You will hire the student and they will be on your payroll and insurance like any other employee.

Yes, we highly encourage you to interview the SJP student participant to confirm at good fit for your needs.

You can offer either a part-time or full-time position, whichever meets your needs. We ask that employers offer a minimum of 25 hours/week for at least 6 weeks for a minimum of 150 hours. Most employers offer 8-10 weeks of work.

Yes, you are welcome to continue to employ the student beyond the summer months if it is mutually agreeable for you and the student. In fact, we have found 30% of students continued working for their employers after the program ended.

February through early April - Students apply and interview with the SJP committee

April - the SJP committee matches student participants with available positions

Late April to Early May - Employers interview students and confirm a good fit

April & May - Supervisors complete orientation, Students complete work skills training, Mentors complete orientation

Early June - Students begin working at their position

Check out our Employer Resources. We compiled sample job and intern position description, ideas for tasks, sample work plans, and more!

Anaconda Summer Jobs Program

Ruth Moen | (ruth@discoveranaconda.com) | 406-563-5538

Bozeman Summer Jobs Program

Jesse DiTommaso | (JDiTommaso@bozeman.net) | 406-579-2494

Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program

Shaye Metcalf | (shaye@bigskyeda.org) | 406-318-7673

Helena Area Summer Jobs Program

Nisan Burbridge | nburbridge@americanjobs4youth.org