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 preven...
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