Surprise is offering teens between the ages of 15 and 19 a unique eight-week internship opportunity through its Summer Youth Employment Program.

The summer internships, which will last from May 29 to June 20, allow selected interns to earn up to $10.50 per hour. 

To be eligible, teens must be full-time students residing in Surprise with a family income at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Applicants must have a legal authorization to work in the U.S., a recommendation letter, and reliable transportation.

Twenty of the interns will receive an advanced opportunity for professional development training to include assisting building inspectors and working with senior-level executives.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. April 5.

Interested teens can download the application form. Properly filled out applications, a copy of the teen's Social Security card, listed areas of interest for placements, and family income verification documents should be submitted via email to ervin.cutwright@surpriseaz.gov or dropped off at City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.

Qualified candidates will undergo interviews in April. Finalists will be informed by May and will be called for a drug test and other pre-employment screening processes, as necessary.