Charlottesville’s CAYIP Connects Youth to Paid Work Experiences and Career Pathways

Community Attention Youth Internship Program

The City of Charlottesville’s Department of Human Services provides a paid, career-focused youth internship experience for local youth ages 14–21 through the Community Attention Youth Internship Program (CAYIP).

CAYIP is designed to help young people move from potential to opportunity by providing access to meaningful employment experiences, individualized job coaching, career exploration, and supportive relationships with caring adults. Through paid internships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community partners, youth have the opportunity to experience the workplace firsthand while developing the skills, confidence, and professional connections needed to pursue their next steps in education, training, and employment.

CAYIP helps reduce barriers our young people face by connecting youth to paid work experiences and providing the coaching and support needed to successfully navigate the workplace. Participants learn how to communicate professionally, manage responsibilities, work as part of a team, solve problems, respond to feedback, and understand what it takes to build a successful career.

Beyond the internship itself, CAYIP creates a bridge between young people, employers, educators, and community resources. Youth are introduced to career pathways they may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore, while local employers and community organizations gain an opportunity to invest directly in the next generation of Charlottesville’s workforce.

The result is more than a summer or school-year job. It is an intentional workforce-development experience that equips young people with practical skills, supportive relationships, real-world experience, and greater confidence in their ability to shape their future.

Become a site partner TODAY! Reach out to Latara at 434-987-0018 or via email at raglandls@charlottesville.gov. We are looking forward to connecting with you!