Applications are now open for the V.I. Department of Labor’s 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Programs and Internship Programs, with the application window running from February 16 through April 17, 2026.
The initiative includes the Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP) and the Labor Investing for Tomorrow (LIFT) Internship Program, both of which are described as central components of the Territory’s long-term workforce strategy. The programs are designed to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipeline by offering youth and young adults paid career exposure and hands-on learning opportunities.
SYWEP serves youth ages 14 to 25. Younger participants are provided with career exploration experiences, while older youth are offered paid work-based learning opportunities. The LIFT Internship Program provides an eight-week paid internship for college juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. The program focuses on professional experience, mentorship, and the development of career readiness skills.
Commissioner Gary Molloy emphasized the broader objectives of the programs. “These programs are about far more than summer employment. They are about building confidence, exposing our young people to meaningful career pathways, and strengthening the future workforce of the Virgin Islands. Advancing workforce readiness requires true collaboration among media partners, employers, educators, and civic stakeholders. When we work together, we create opportunities that shape lives and strengthen our collective future.”
The Department of Labor said the initiative aligns with its PIE Vision — Protecting, Improving, and Employing — which integrates education, workforce development, and economic growth throughout the Territory. The effort is also guided by the workforce strategy titled One Vision. One Strategy. One Virgin Islands. According to the department, VIDOL remains committed to ensuring that every Virgin Islander has a meaningful opportunity to participate in and benefit from getting a piece of the PIE.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply here. VIDOL is calling on compliant employers and organizations throughout the territory to register as host sites. Employer participation provides access to motivated young talent, opportunities to mentor and shape the future workforce, and support in building sustainable workforce pipelines. By serving as host sites, employers play a role in helping young Virgin Islanders gain meaningful, career-aligned experiences that reflect their interests and aspirations.
For additional information, VIDOL can be contacted at St. Croix: (340) 773-1994, St. Thomas: (340) 776-3700, or St. John: (340) 693-4367. Applications for both programs will remain open through April 17, 2026.
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