TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Cynthia Emerson, Director Community Services Department
FROM: Megan Kendrick, Human Services Administrator
DATE: March 24, 2026
SUBJECT: Approval of Youth Internship Partnership with CareerSource Research Coast
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BACKGROUND
Indian River County proposes to participate as a work site partner in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Connections Paid Internship Program administered by CareerSource Research Coast. This partnership establishes a new youth internship opportunity within the Community Services Department that provides paid, structured work experience for eligible youth while supporting the County’s workforce development and youth engagement goals.
The WIOA Youth Connections program prepares young people for successful entry into the workforce by providing meaningful, supervised internship experiences that reinforce workplace expectations, skill development, and career exploration. Participants are placed in approved work sites where they receive hands-on training aligned with an individualized internship plan and are supported throughout the placement by CareerSource staff.
Under the proposed agreements, CareerSource Research Coast serves as the employer of record for all participants. CareerSource is responsible for participant recruitment and eligibility determination, wages, payroll processing, workers’ compensation coverage, and compliance with all applicable state and federal employment requirements. Indian River County serves solely as the internship work site and provides supervision, training, and a safe and appropriate work environment.
This partnership represents a new programmatic approach for Human Services and Children’s Services that emphasizes early intervention, workforce readiness, and prevention by offering youth a pathway to develop employment skills, financial stability, and exposure to public service careers.
ANALYSIS
Participation in the Youth Internship Program supports Indian River County’s Human Services and Children’s Services objectives by addressing workforce readiness early and reducing long-term reliance on public assistance. Paid internships are a proven strategy for increasing youth engagement, improving employment outcomes, and strengthening long-term economic stability.
The program is structured to minimize fiscal and operational risk to the County. CareerSource Research Coast assumes responsibility for all employment-related costs and liabilities, including wages, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, and employment compliance. The County does not incur payroll costs, provide benefits, or establish an employer-employee relationship with participants.
The agreements include clear safeguards and accountability measures, including supervision requirements, workplace safety standards, nondiscrimination protections, confidentiality provisions, child labor law compliance, and anti-human trafficking certifications. The program prohibits displacement of existing employees and ensures internships are structured as learning opportunities.
Participation allows the County to introduce youth to careers in local government, promote civic engagement, and identify future talent with demonstrated interest and aptitude for public service. Interns who successfully complete the program may be considered for unsubsidized employment opportunities when available and appropriate.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact to Indian River County associated with participation in this program. All participant wages, payroll expenses, and workers’ compensation coverage are provided by CareerSource Research Coast. County participation is limited to staff supervision and existing operational resources.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
This is a new program. There are no previous Board actions related to this partnership.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Should the program prove successful, future Board consideration may include continuation or expansion of internship placements within other County departments or renewal of the partnership agreement.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Human Services and Children’s Services priorities related to workforce readiness, youth development, and early intervention.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Board approve participation in the Youth Internship Partnership with CareerSource Research Coast and authorize the County Administrator or designee to execute the associated agreements.